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

# The Pareto Structure of Thought

empirical discovery of the six foundational mental moves

Cabrera D, Cabrera L, Journal of Systems Thinking, 2025

## Abstract

Observational analysis of structural operations performed by 34,398 users of a mapping tool, testing whether the available structure is used evenly or follows a predictable distribution.

## What they found (results)

48% took no structural action at all. Of the rest, 48% identified parts and 46% relationships, but only 25% named the wholes they had made. 16% took an explicit perspective, 4% distinguished within one, and 2% related within one.

## Response

Not derivable from the calculus, which is what makes it the answer to the charge that the framework explains everything and forbids nothing. Nobody would have guessed this distribution. It is also the diagnosis the Six Moves were selected from.

## Experiments reported in this paper

- [Cabrera D, Cabrera L (2025). Systems mapping. Journal of Systems Thinking.](https://dsrpevidence.org/experiment/487) (N = 34,398)

[Read the paper](https://doi.org/10.54120/jost.v25i1.dc6par6)