What description defines systems thinking.

A. identifying the different parts of a system
B. thinking about how things connect with each other in a system
C. analyzing how things outside a system influence the things in that system
D. describing how the parts of a system work together

D. describing how the parts of a system work together

why this answer

The answer is D because systems thinking involves understanding and describing how the different parts of a system function and interact together as a whole. It goes beyond just identifying the individual parts or analyzing the external influences on the system. Systems thinking is about recognizing the interconnections and relationships within a system and understanding how they contribute to the system's behavior and outcomes.

The correct description that defines systems thinking is D. describing how the parts of a system work together.

The correct answer is D. describing how the parts of a system work together.

To arrive at this answer, let's go through the options and understand what they mean:

A. Identifying the different parts of a system: This refers to recognizing and listing the individual components or elements that make up a system. While it is an important aspect of systems thinking, it does not fully capture the essence of the concept.

B. Thinking about how things connect with each other in a system: This option reflects the core idea of systems thinking. It involves understanding the relationships and interdependencies among the components of a system, as well as how they interact and influence one another. However, it does not encompass the whole definition of systems thinking.

C. Analyzing how things outside a system influence the things in that system: This option describes a related concept called systems perspective, where the focus is on examining the external factors that impact a system. While this is an important consideration, it specifically deals with the influence of external elements, rather than the internal dynamics of the system itself.

D. Describing how the parts of a system work together: This option captures the essence of systems thinking. It involves comprehending and articulating how the different parts or components of a system interact, collaborate, and contribute to the overall functioning and behavior of the system.

Therefore, the correct answer is D. describing how the parts of a system work together. This encompasses not only understanding the various components of a system but also recognizing their relationships and interdependencies to comprehend the system as a whole.