A review and participatory extension of game structuring methods

Problem structuring methods are uniquely suitable for analysing strategically complex problems. There exists a subset of these problem structuring methods which focus specifically on structuring the decision processes by which multiple actors debate and potentially resolve complex problems. These methods include, but are not limited to, analysis of options, conflict analysis, exchange modelling, hypergame analysis and the theory of moves. In this paper, we characterize these methods as “game structuring methods”, by describing their common analytical elements and discussing their theoretical pre-commitments. We further develop a standardized approach for using such a game structuring methods within a participatory modelling setting.