Feedback Loops in Systems Thinking

This video tutorial explains feedback loops in systems thinking, focusing on two types: reinforcing and balancing loops. Reinforcing loops amplify changes, as seen in the relationship between population and births. Balancing loops, like those involving deaths, stabilize systems by counteracting changes. The video highlights the use of polarity symbols to represent these relationships and emphasizes the importance of understanding feedback loops in modeling real-world systems.

What is a feedback loop in systems thinking?

• A static relationship between variables

• A random relationship between variables

• A two-way relationship between variables

• A one-way relationship between variables

In a reinforcing feedback loop, what happens when the population increases?

• Births decrease

• Births remain constant

• Births increase

• Births are unaffected

What symbol is used to indicate a similar relationship in a feedback loop?

• X

• Minus (-)

• O

• Plus (+) or S

What is the primary function of a balancing feedback loop?

• To eliminate variables

• To increase population

• To maintain equilibrium

• To amplify changes

Which symbol represents an opposite relationship in a feedback loop?

• S

• Plus (+)

• X

• Minus (-) or O

How do deaths affect the population in a balancing feedback loop?

• They have no effect

• They increase the population

• They decrease the population

• They stabilize the population

What is the main difference between reinforcing and balancing feedback loops?

• Reinforcing loops decrease change, balancing loops increase it

• Reinforcing loops amplify change, balancing loops stabilize it

• Both loops have the same effect

• Reinforcing loops are static, balancing loops are dynamic

What is the role of a reinforcing feedback loop in a system?

• To stabilize the system

• To decrease the system's growth

• To amplify changes in the system

• To eliminate variables

Which type of feedback loop prevents continuous growth in one direction?

• Dynamic feedback loop

• Reinforcing feedback loop

• Balancing feedback loop

• Static feedback loop

How are feedback loops applied in real-world scenarios?

• They are not applicable

• They are used to model and solve complex problems

• They are used to create static models

• They are only theoretical concepts