LOOP
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 1954 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Methodology or model |
A closed circular interconnection between two or more interacting systems or subsystems, allowing for the emergence of a positive or negative feedback.
Loops are necessary for any type of regulation or control. In the case of positive feedback loops, that creates heterogeneity, M. MARUYAMA observes: “There are qualitative aspects as well: a) the basic principle of social, biological and even some physical processes is increase of heterogeneity and interaction among heterogeneous elements; in these processes, heterogeneity is necessary and desirable; b) qualitative improvements occur, such as evolution, as a result of heterogenization; c) genuine new patterns, not new combinations of old patterns, arise from interaction among heterogeneous elements” (1994, p.79).