AMFTRB EXAM: Cybernetics

According to Cybernetics:

Open systems _____ with their environment, where Closed systems _____ with their environment.

• are isolated and resist interaction; interact freely

• are healthy; are dysfunctional

• interact freely; are isolated and resist interaction

Entropy is:

• Entropy is a measure of order and predictability in a system.
• Entropy is a measure of energy and activity in a system.
• Entropy is the system's tendency to break down that threatens its survival

• Entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system.

Equipotentiality is when:

• multiple paths can lead to the same outcome

• one path can lead to multiple different outcomes

• equal potential for beneficial outcomes

• equal potential for chaotic/unstable outcomes

Equifinality is when:

• only one path leads to a specific outcome
• outcomes can only be achieved through a single method
• there is no variation in the paths that lead to an outcome
• multiple paths can lead to the same outcome

Isomorphism means:

• same structure

• A type of geometric shape
• two different structures with some similarities

• different structure

Negative entropy is: 

• An increase in disorder or randomness, creating a system that is headed for breakdown

• A state of equilibrium
• A neutral state with no change
• A decrease in disorder or randomness, creating a system that is balanced between open/closed

Negative Feedback loops are: 

• bad changes are made to influence second-order change

• maintaining homeostasis

• mechanisms by which systems respond to changes in homeostasis

Positive Feedback loops are: 

• good changes are made to influence second-order change

• mechanisms by which systems respond to changes in homeostasis

• maintaining homeostasis

Recursiveness means:

• beginning and interactional pattern that will create a dysfunctional feedback loop

• reciprocity/circular causality

• the final step in an interactional pattern

Who developed Cybernetics theory?

• Norbert Wiener
• Jay Haley

• Murray Bowen

• Gregory Bateson