Causal Loop Diagrams
Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) are visual tools used to represent the relationships between different variables in a system. They illustrate how changes in one element can influence others, creating feedback loops that can be either reinforcing or balancing. This helps in understanding complex systems by showing how various components interact over time.
In a CLD, arrows indicate the direction of influence, while plus and minus signs denote whether the relationship is positive or negative. These diagrams are commonly used in fields like systems thinking, environmental science, and business management to analyze and improve decision-making processes.