Dr. Cabrera uses a simple naming convention for most things: (1) call it what it is and then (2) make an acronym. So, there are plenty of abbreviations ... ;-), He also uses a number of variables in his work.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| DSRP | Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, Perspectives (the four universal patterns of cognition and things) |
| D | Distinction |
| S | System |
| R | Relationship |
| P | Perspective |
| Dio | Distinction-identity-other |
| Spw | System-part-whole |
| Rar | Relationship-action-reaction |
| Ppv | Perspective-point-view |
| i | identity |
| o | other |
| p | part |
| w | whole |
| a | action |
| r | reaction |
| ρ | point |
| v | view |
| VMCL |
Vision, Mission, Capacity, Learning (the four universal functions of organizations) |
| V | Vision |
| M | Mission |
| C | Capacity |
| L | Learning |
| MAC | Map, Activate, Check |
| ABA | Agent Based Approach |
| AC | Activation Continuum |
| RDS | Relationship-Distinction-System |
| RD | Relationship-Distinction |
| CAS | Complex Adaptive System |
| ABM | Agent Base Modeling |
| CAO | Complex Adaptive Organization |
| ST | Systems Thinking |
| SM | Systems Mapping |
| SS | Systems Science |
| SL | Systems Leadership |
| MFS | Midgley, Francois, Schwartz [Universe] |
| 𝕄 | mental model |
| 𝕀 | Information |
|
𝕋
|
Thinking |
| K | Knowledge |