STS 4TH LESSON(not complete)

MIDTERM

COMPONENTS OF A SYSTEM

ELEMENTS, INTERCONNECTIONS, PURPOSE

ELEMENTS

These are the parts of a system.

INTERCONNECTIONS

Elements are interdependent. They affect each other & the system’s behavior.

PURPOSE

The function of the system

SYSTEMS THINKING

• Big picture thinking

• Holistic way of approaching problems or issues

• Understanding the relationship of different systems elements rather than splitting them (analysis)

CAUSAL LOOP DIAGRAM COMPONENTS

Variables, Polarity, Feedback

Variables

• Elements or events that increase or decrease through time (quantifiable)

• Naming should be neutral (no perceived direction)

X Very Angry // Level of Anger X Really Painful // Intensity of Pain

Polarity

Points from the cause (input) to the effect (output)

+DIRECT RELATIONSHIP UP UP/ DOWN DOWN

-INVERSE RELATIONSHIP UP AND DOWN

Feedback

REINFORCING FEEDBACK, BALANCING FEEDBACK

REINFORCING FEEDBACK

An effect is pushed forward or amplified through time.

BALANCING FEEDBACK

An effect is pushed back to balance the system.

BEHAVIOR OVER TIME GRAPHS COMPONENTS AND TYPES

Behavior AND Time

Behavior

Events that change through time; plotted in the Y axis

Time

Units of Time (years, hours, days, etc.) plotted in the X axis