Systems & Causal Loop Diagrams

Question 1

Causal loop diagrams (CLSs) are an important tool for:

Answer 1

representing the feeback structure of systems

Question 2

CLDs are excellent for:

Answer 2

• quick hypotheses about the cause of dynamics
• capturing mental models of individuals/ teams
• communication feedback for a problem

Question 3

A positive (reinforcing) link means that

Answer 3

if the cause increases the effect increases above what it would otherwise have been
(same relationship)

Question 4

A negative (balancing) link means that

Answer 4

if the cause increases, the effect decreases below what it would otherwise have been.
(opposite relationship)

Question 5

Link polarities describe:

Answer 5

the structure of the system. They do not describe the behaviour of the variables

Question 6

When assessing the polarity of individual links assume:

Answer 6

all all variables are constant

Question 7

When assessing the actual behaviour of a system assume

Answer 7

all variables interact simultaneously and computer simulation is usually needed to trace out the behaviour of the system and determine which loops are dominant

Question 8

Different types of system representations

Answer 8

• networks
• rich pictures/ mind maps
• hierarchy trees
• entity process diagram
• logic flow diagram
• cross-functional diagrams
• entailment trees
• influence diagrams
• stock/flow diagrams

Question 9

Healthy systems representations have:

Answer 9

• balance
• completeness
• cohesion
• discrimination
• consistency

Question 10

5 steps in system design

Answer 10

1. Think of the processes that interact
2. Figure out the key variables
3. Start with simple process
4. Expand, thinking how other processes interact
5. Test logic

Question 11

Pitfalls in system design to avoid

Answer 11

• No loops, dead ends
• Poor names for variables
• Too many links, variables
• two step loops
• capture causation not correlation