Causal Loop Diagram
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Causal Loop Diagram
A causal loop diagram (CLD) is a visual tool used in systems thinking to map out the relationships between different variables in a system. CLDs use circles to represent variables, and directional arrows to show how changes in one variable can affect another variable. In a CLD, positive feedback loops are represented by a closed loop with an even number of negative arrows, while negative feedback loops are represented by a closed loop with an odd number of negative arrows.
One popular book that uses CLDs to explore complex systems is "The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization" by Peter Senge. The book was first published in 1990 and has since become a classic in the field of organizational development and systems thinking. It introduces the concept of the "learning organization" and provides practical tools for developing systems thinking skills, including CLDs, among others. While Senge's book does not exclusively use circles and arrows, the use of CLDs is a prominent feature throughout the book.
Causal Loop Diagram Syntax and Semantics
Causal loop diagrams (CLDs) are a visual tool used in systems thinking to map out the relationships between different variables in a system. CLDs use circles to represent variables and directional arrows to show how changes in one variable can affect another variable. Here are some key elements of CLD syntax and semantics:
1. Variables:
Variables are represented by circles in a CLD. Each circle represents a variable in the system, such as a stock, a flow, or a feedback loop. Variables can be labelled with a name or a description.
2. Arrows:
Arrows are used to show the direction and strength of the relationships between variables. An arrow pointing from one variable to another indicates that changes in the first variable will affect the second variable. The thickness of the arrow indicates the strength of the relationship, with thicker arrows indicating stronger relationships.
3. Positive and negative feedback loops:
Feedback loops are represented by closed loops in a CLD. Positive feedback loops are represented by a closed loop with an even number of negative arrows. Positive feedback loops amplify the effects of changes in the system and can lead to instability or runaway behaviour. Negative feedback loops are represented by a closed loop with an odd number of negative arrows. Negative feedback loops stabilize the system and maintain equilibrium.
4. Stock and flow:
A stock represents the accumulation of a variable over time, such as a bank account balance or a population size. A flow represents the rate at which a variable changes, such as the inflow and outflow of water in a reservoir. Stocks and flows are connected by arrows that show how flows affect stocks.
5. Balancing and reinforcing loops:
Balancing loops are represented by arrows that connect stocks and flows in opposite directions. Balancing loops act as a stabilizing force in the system and tend to bring variables back to equilibrium. Reinforcing loops are represented by arrows that connect stocks and flows in the same direction. Reinforcing loops act as an amplifying force in the system and tend to push variables away from equilibrium.
Overall, the syntax and semantics of a causal loop diagram provide a powerful visual representation of the complex feedback and interconnections between different variables in a system, helping to identify potential leverage points for improving system performance and behaviour.
Some Examples of Causal Loop Diagrams (Clds)
Example of a CLD for the "Limits to Growth" model: This CLD shows the feedback loops between different factors that contribute to economic growth and environmental sustainability. You can find it on the website of the Club of Rome, which originally commissioned the "Limits to Growth" report in 1972.
1. Example of a CLD for the "Beer Game" simulation: This CLD shows the feedback loops between different factors that affect the supply chain dynamics of the beer industry. It is commonly used in systems thinking and operations management courses to help students understand the complexities of managing supply chains. You can find it on various educational websites that offer the "Beer Game" simulation.
2. Example of a CLD for the "Systems Archetypes": This CLD shows the feedback loops between different archetypal patterns that can occur in complex systems, such as the "drifting goals" archetype or the "shifting the burden" archetype. It is commonly used in systems thinking training and consulting to help people recognize and address common system patterns. You can find it on the website of the Waters Foundation, which offers training and resources on systems thinking for educators.
3. You can access the Waters Foundation for Systems Thinking website for more information at:
Once the website loads, you will see the homepage of the Waters Foundation. From there, you can navigate to different sections of the website by clicking on the various links in the main menu or scrolling down to see the featured resources and programs.
Tutorial
At first glance this site, Causal Loop Construction: The Basics, by Colleen Lann, looks as if it gives a good tutorial: https://thesystemsthinker.com/causal-loop-construction-the-basics/
I found this tool for drawing causal loop diagrams. There is free version (probably limited in some way). The site is: https://www.edrawsoft.com/causal-loop-diagram-software.html
There are others. I have not tried any of them. A simple search in your browser should give you a few.