Causal Loop Models are likely the foundational modeling method--when well done.
There are only a few technical rules and an infinity of uses.
# Rules: 1. Each node must be a **variable**. 2. Every relationship is **directed**. That is to say, relationships between variables are shown as arrows. The direction of the arrow shows the direction of the effect. 3. The only relationship meaning is in the form of "causes", "influences", or "affects". Thus links need **no labels**. 4. Capture the **polarity** of the relationship as either **same (S)** or **opposite (O)**. 5. **Closed loops** are of two types: Balancing and Reinforcing. If the number of opposing links in a loop is an even number (or no opposing links) the loop is a **Reinforcing Loop (R)**. If there are an uneven number of opposing links in the loop it will be a **Balancing Loop (B)**. **That's it!** (See CLD Instructions)
Now **sketch a very simple CLD** starting with one variable from your Six Question exercise or anything else. * Be sure the node names read as **variables**--something that can increase and decrease. * Be sure to label the **relationships** as supporting (S) or opposing (O). * If you completed the three variable **loop**, determine if it is Balancing or Reinforcing, add a large B or R in the center.
When CLDs are created with Generative Variables they almost grow themselves. They become learning diagrams.
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What can you imagine might come if it if you or others used this exercise elsewhere? * * * * * *
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DOT strict digraph rankdir=LR node [shape=box style="solid,rounded,filled" fillcolor=lightyellow penwidth=3 color=red] HERE NODE node [style="solid,rounded,filled" fillcolor=white penwidth=3 color=blue] edge [style=solid penwidth=1 color=black] BACKLINKS NODE -> HERE node [style="dotted,rounded,filled" penwidth=6 fillcolor=white color=grey] edge [style=dotted penwidth=4 color=grey] HERE BACKLINKS NODE -> HERE STATIC strict digraph {rankdir=LR node [shape=box style="solid,rounded,filled" fillcolor=lightyellow penwidth=3 color=red] "Welcome Visitors" node [style="solid,rounded,filled" fillcolor=white penwidth=3 color=blue] edge [style=solid penwidth=1 color=black] "Knowledge" -> "Welcome Visitors" "Search for 'neighborhood'" -> "Welcome Visitors" node [style="dotted,rounded,filled" penwidth=6 fillcolor=white color=grey] edge [style=dotted penwidth=4 color=grey] "Truth (Ecology)" -> "Knowledge" node [style="dotted,rounded,filled" penwidth=6 fillcolor=white color=grey] edge [style=dotted penwidth=4 color=grey]}