Causal Loops (Feedback Loops)

Overview

• Causal loops, also known as feedback loops, illustrate how parts of a system affect each other.
• These loops help shift the focus from linear cause-and-effect to circular cause-and-effect relationships.

Basic Concept

• Traditional cause and effect: A cause leads to an effect; story ends.
• Causal loops: The story continues as a problem affects actions, which in turn affects the problem - creating a loop.

Types of Loops

• Reinforcing Loop: Elements continue in the same direction (rising/falling over time).
  • Example: Money in a bank account increases -> interest earned increases -> more money.
• Balancing Loop: Elements oscillate or seek a goal, often stabilizing over time.
  • Example: Stress increases -> coping strategies increase -> stress decreases -> coping strategies decrease -> stress increases again.

Indicators

• Positive (+) Sign: Both elements change in the same direction.
  • Example: Increase in stress leads to an increase in coping strategies.
• Negative (-) Sign: Elements change in opposite directions.
  • Example: Increase in coping strategies leads to a decrease in stress.

Identifying Loops

• Isolating loops can be challenging.
• Using stock-flow maps helps in identifying loops within larger systems.

Examples Using Stock-flow Maps

• Cinderella’s Happiness - Balancing Loop:
  • Low happiness -> Fairy godmother's concern increases -> Cinderella's participation increases -> Happiness increases -> Fairy godmother's concern decreases.
• Cinderella’s Kindness - Reinforcing Loop:
  • Kindness increases -> Happiness increases -> Kindness increases further -> Happiness continues to increase.

Conclusion

• Causal loops provide a deeper understanding of systems by illustrating continuous feedback.
• For more examples, see additional resources like the "connection circle video."

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Presented by the Creative Learning Exchange.