DOMAIN of ATTRACTION
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 976 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Methodology or model |
- “A region in a state space description of a system within which the system behavior is localized indefinitely unless there is a change in system structure or a large exogenous disturbance” (T.F.H. ALLEN & T.B. STARR, 1982, p.266).
This definition corresponds to a regional and temporary specific stability cycle within a more global one.
Domains of attraction have boundaries (separators) corresponding to their influence limits. They correspond to the topological concept of basin.
A variable or a system may escape of its domain of attraction as a result of some exceptional perturbation which puts an end to its specific dynamic stability. This happens through a sudden discontinuity or leap (catastrophe).
It does not however necessarily imply the destruction of the system, which may have alternative possibilities of dynamic stability, within other domains of attraction. If such is the case, the system is said to have resilience.
Many ecological, economic and social systems have variable possible domains of attraction and trade some lesser dynamic stability for a better capacity of survival through resilience, as stated by C. HOLLING (1976, p.81).