The Iceberg Model has been used as a systems thinking tool in helping to uncover personality differences, global issues, behavioral change, and conflict dynamics. In addition, it is a good model for discussing intercultural issues. In short, it surmises that the visible portion of the iceberg that we see only constitutes a small part of an issue (“the tip of the iceberg”), when in fact other issues exist that are large and invisible to the naked eye.

We live in a society that prioritizes quick responses, and overgeneralizations to critical thinking and long-term solutions. When statistics are hastily chosen without understanding of larger issues in play, there is the potential for the belief that correlation is always causation.