FEEDBACK (Anticipatory)
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 1253 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Methodology or model |
A feedback “governed by… response to the antecedents of environmental states that would influence the system unfavorably (or favorably), rather than by response to the state as actually present” (K. SAYRE, 1976, p.58).
This kind of feedback can work only if paired with a repertory of sequences of events that have influenced the system formerly. This enables it “… to detect precursors of disruptive environmental events before the latter occur and to employ its effectors in avoidance procedures” (Ibid). As a result “… corrective response precedes environmental disturbances” (p.221).
Anyhow, as in any feedback, a time-lag is unavoidable.
Moreover, unprecedented environmental events, or those whose occurence remains unpredictable cannot be compensated by anticipatory feedbacks.
Anticipatory feedback of a more complex nature seem to emerge as systems themselves become more complex.