[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# Cornell Policy Review — Systems Thinking / DSRP special issue

## Details

**Authors** Cornell Policy Review

**Year** 2016–2017

**Publisher** Cornell Policy Review

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Public Policy

**Kind of engagement** applications

[Read it](http://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/)

## In authors' words

### Abstract

[No abstract exists for the special issue as a whole; text below is the editorial 'Introduction to the Second Systems Thinking Special Edition' by Laura Cabrera, retrieved in summary form with verbatim definitions.] Systems thinking applies four cognitive rules to problem-solving across policy areas like resource management, race, and education. Distinctions: 'Individuals make distinctions when they identify any thing or idea, which creates a boundary that separates that thing from what it is not.' Systems: 'Any idea/thing can be broken into parts or grouped into a whole—making use of the concept of reductionism and holism simultaneously.' Relationships: 'The relationships rule states that an idea/thing can relate to any other idea/thing.' Perspectives: 'Any idea or thing can be the point or the view of a perspective—this is the perspectives rule.' Metacognitive awareness of applying DSRP rules develops critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence essential for addressing complex policy problems.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

Two special issues of the Cornell Policy Review applying systems thinking to public policy, with an editorial introduction defining the four DSRP rules for policy analysis.

### What they found (results)

Metacognitive awareness of the four rules develops the critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence complex policy problems demand — applied across resource management, race, education, and more.

## Commentary

### In short

Special issues applying DSRP to public-policy problems (immigration, water, poverty, etc.).

**Patterns it shows** D, S, R, P

**How to cite this** Cornell Policy Review (2016–2017). Cornell Policy Review — Systems Thinking / DSRP special issue. Cornell Policy Review.