Abstract: WSR methodology is actually an independent system methodology that originated not merely from systems science or a single discipline of engineering. Through in-depth literature digging and comprehensive cross-comparison research, we find that in China, WSR methodologies, which are seemingly different but essentially same, came into being from at least three paths, including system science, ecological science and material science. (1) Gu Jifa developed “WSR system methodology” in his pioneering research on system engineering; (2) Wang Rusong developed “WSQ methodology” and “WSR Methodology” in his research on ecological cities studies; (3) Xiao Jimei transferred the methodology of material science to other fields and developed “method for sorting out disputes among Ren, Shi and Wu”. Zhao Guojie's team guided low-carbon eco-city research based on the concept of “good governance”, introduced Niu Wenyuan's space vector method and improved it twice, practiced “comprehensive integration from qualitative to quantitative” advocated by Qian Xuesen, expanded the Xiao Jimei model into a three-dimensional model, thus highlighted the hierarchical and philosophical nature of WSR methodology.

Key words: WSR methodology, WSQ methodology, method for sorting out disputes among Ren, Shi and Wu, emerge, comprehensive integration methodology