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A causal loop diagram is just one type of systems map, but an especially useful one, because it captures the feedback loops that constitute the basic structure of the system and shape its key behaviours. Causal loop diagrams (CLDs) do not require any specialized knowledge but can be counterintuitive in some respects. This handbook explains how to read and draw causal loop diagrams, clarifies some common sources of confusion, and offers advice for using this tool most effectively.  \nLike many other forms of systems diagrams (and network diagrams), CLDs are composed of elements and connections. But unlike many others, CLDs also include feedback loops that connect elements in a circular pattern. This handbook explains each of these three features, provides step-by-step instructions for drawing CLDs, then presents three examples of CLDs that elucidate crucial real-world phenomena.  \n1 For an excellent survey of different system mapping techniques, see: Barbrook-Johnson and Penn, 2022, in the Recommended Resources section below.  \nContents  \nElements: .................................................................................................................................................. 4  \nConnections: ............................................................................................................................................ 4  \nPositive feedback loops: ...................................................................................................................... 6  \nNegative feedback loops: .................................................................................................................. 10  \nMultifactor feedback loops: ............................................................................................................... 13  \nStep-by-step instructions: ................................................................................................................... 16  \nExample 1: the security dilemma: ...................................................................................................... 19  \nExample 2: the arctic ice albedo feedback: ................................................................................. 20  \nExample 3: solutions that backfire: ................................................................................................. 22  \nRecommended resources: ............................................................................................................... 24  \nELEMENTS  \nElements are the key variables in a system—that is, the causal factors that are most central to its behaviours. They might encompass “stocks”(such as available resources),“levels”(such as the amount of trust in government),“shocks” to the system (such as extreme weather events), or myriad other relevant causal factors. The one major constraint the CLD methodology imposes on the identification of elements is that these variables must be able to increase and/or decrease. A given actor—say, the Canadian government, for example—would not fit as an element in a CLD, but the Canadian government’s power and its budget would both fit, as they can rise and fall over time in relation to other causal factors. Elements are presented as words in a CLD, often inside shapes, and connected by arrows. If helpful, you can use different shapes and colors to distinguish different types of elements.  \nCONNECTIONS  \nCausal loop diagrams involve two types of connection: positive causal relationships and negative causal relationships. The Figures below (including those in the sections on p","cbCaih4XTHeej44h","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaih4XTHeej44h","pdf",4112738,24,"English","# Summary\n# Elements\n# Connections\n# Positive feedback loops\n# Negative feedback loops\n# Multifactor feedback loops\n# Step-by-step instructions\n# Example 1: the security dilemma\n# Example 2: the arctic ice albedo feedback\n# Example 3: solutions that backfire\n# Recommended resources","[{\"question\":\"What is a causal loop diagram (CLD) used for?\",\"answer\":\"A CLD is a type of systems map that captures feedback loops forming the basic structure of a system and shaping its key behaviours.\"},{\"question\":\"How do positive and negative causal relationships differ in CLDs?\",\"answer\":\"Positive relationships change in the same direction (an increase leads to an increase; a decrease leads to a decrease). Negative relationships change in opposite directions (an increase leads to a decrease; a decrease leads to an increase).\"},{\"question\":\"What does this handbook teach readers to do with CLDs?\",\"answer\":\"It explains how to read and draw CLDs, clarifies common confusion, and provides step-by-step instructions plus worked examples to show real-world phenomena.\"}]","Causal Loop Diagrams: A Short Handbook - read and draw causal loop diagrams effectively | PDF",1792979067]