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Balance and Reinforcement in Complex Systems

Topic: Feedback
by Natalie, 2020 Cohort

Whether we are aware of it or not, feedback is all around us. Think about staying up late at night studying just to fall asleep in class the next day, or shivering profusely on a cold night out in Canberra. Now, picture a stock market crash. What might these situations have in common and how might they differ? Are there any evident cycles/patterns?

Feedback is the process in which the output of a given system becomes an input of that system. The first two situations depict a feedback loop in which the system is counterbalancing itself to establish equilibrium (as sleeping and shivering respectively lead to a constant energy level and temperature). On the other hand, a stock market crash typifies another type of feedback loop in which the system is reinforcing itself, leading to cumulative growth or decline. Thus, there are two forms of feedback: positive (reinforcing) and negative (balancing). The terminology of ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ does not imply that one loop is ‘good’ and the other is ‘bad’; rather, it clarifies how the system behaves given a certain type of feedback. Balancing loops contribute to stability whereas reinforcing loops contribute to instability and sometimes, system collapse.

What are the implications of feedback loops and why must we consider them?

When considered as a stand-alone loop, a feedback system is relatively simple. However, the complexity lies in the interconnectedness of multiple different feedback loops within one system and the relative strength of each loop. Certainly, within the global political and economic system innumerable forces are at play; changes in public perception and policy, market shocks, and diplomatic relations can have wide and varied effects. Thus, identifying feedback loops is valuable because it allows global citizens, particularly those in power, to readily evaluate the impact of their decisions on both the global system as a whole and on individual interest groups.

Understanding feedback loops can also promote better problem-solving. This is exemplified in Peter Senge’s deep dive into systems thinking when he asserts, “Reality is made of circles but we see straight lines.” Specifically, Peter considers the importance of perception in the global war on terror. From a US perspective, the US perceives a terrorist threat and subsequently increases its presence in the Middle East. From a terrorist’s perspective, increased US aggression warrants increased security in the form of greater terrorist recruitment. Considered separately these are linear relationships; however, considered together, a reinforcing loop is evident. This problem could also be extended by considering the impact of other factors, such as the economic incentive of oil, on the feedback system. Either way, it is indisputable that understanding these complex interrelationships is crucial for effective policy-making.

All in all, feedback can help us to unpack how a system operates by identifying the mechanisms within it. This is an important first step towards improving society. Whether we are optimizing our study, understanding recession or shaping a more sustainable future, feedback can help us in our quest to unravel complexity.

Explore this topic further#

• Peter Senge, The Fifth Discipline, Chapter 5- A shift of mind{.link-ext
• George Richardson’s, Feedback Mechanisms and Self-Regulatory Processes in the Social Sciences{.link-ext target=”_blank” }

Return to Feedback in the Primer

Disclaimer#

This content has been contributed by a student as part of a learning activity.
If there are inaccuracies, or opportunities for significant improvement on this topic, feedback is welcome on how to improve the resource.
You can improve articles on this topic as a student in "Unravelling Complexity", or by including the amendments in an email to: Chris.Browne@anu.edu.au

Whether we are aware of it or not, feedback is all around us. Think about staying up late at night studying just to fall asleep in class the next day, or shivering profusely on a cold night out in Canberra. Now, picture a stock market crash. What might these situations have in common and how might they differ? Are there any evident cycles/patterns?

Feedback is the process in which the output of a given system becomes an input of that system. The first two situations depict a feedback loop in which the system is counterbalancing itself to establish equilibrium (as sleeping and shivering respectively lead to a constant energy level and temperature). On the other hand, a stock market crash typifies another type of feedback loop in which the system is reinforcing itself, leading to cumulative growth or decline. Thus, there are two forms of feedback: positive (reinforcing) and negative (balancing). The terminology of ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ does not imply that one loop is ‘good’ and the other is ‘bad’; rather, it clarifies how the system behaves given a certain type of feedback. Balancing loops contribute to stability whereas reinforcing loops contribute to instability and sometimes, system collapse.

What are the implications of feedback loops and why must we consider them?

When considered as a stand-alone loop, a feedback system is relatively simple. However, the complexity lies in the interconnectedness of multiple different feedback loops within one system and the relative strength of each loop. Certainly, within the global political and economic system innumerable forces are at play; changes in public perception and policy, market shocks, and diplomatic relations can have wide and varied effects. Thus, identifying feedback loops is valuable because it allows global citizens, particularly those in power, to readily evaluate the impact of their decisions on both the global system as a whole and on individual interest groups.

Understanding feedback loops can also promote better problem-solving. This is exemplified in Peter Senge’s deep dive into systems thinking when he asserts, “Reality is made of circles but we see straight lines.” Specifically, Peter considers the importance of perception in the global war on terror. From a US perspective, the US perceives a terrorist threat and subsequently increases its presence in the Middle East. From a terrorist’s perspective, increased US aggression warrants increased security in the form of greater terrorist recruitment. Considered separately these are linear relationships; however, considered together, a reinforcing loop is evident. This problem could also be extended by considering the impact of other factors, such as the economic incentive of oil, on the feedback system. Either way, it is indisputable that understanding these complex interrelationships is crucial for effective policy-making.

All in all, feedback can help us to unpack how a system operates by identifying the mechanisms within it. This is an important first step towards improving society. Whether we are optimizing our study, understanding recession or shaping a more sustainable future, feedback can help us in our quest to unravel complexity.