DRIFT
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 983 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Methodology or model |
A succession of changes in a system, obeying to no clearly definable rules.
Drift generally appears as a random phenomenon. This is because it results of various factors, none of them dominant, nor necessarily permanent or constant in its effects. Continuation of the drift is possible only if and when the occuring changes do not modify significantly the interrelations of the system or its elements with its environment, nor its basic internal organization.
Drift can be observed in many phenomena of very distinct types: in population genetics; in business trends; in political systems and even in values and norms.
To the opposite however, M. MARUYAMA states that: “At any one time a random initial kick (may) produce a deviation into a certain direction. Deviation-amplification takes over and this deviation is amplified consistently in the same direction. However, this cannot last very long, and soon deviation counteracting takes over, and the population becomes stabilized with certain characteristics. This process then repeats with other unpredictable drifts” (1976, p.86-7)