# Causal loop diagram A causal loop diagram maps variables and directed causal links (+ same direction, − opposite) into closed reinforcing (R) or balancing (B) [[Feedback|feedback]] loops, revealing the structure that generates dynamic behavior. Delays, polarity, and narrative close the causal story, serving as the qualitative precursor to quantitative [[Stock_and_flow|stock-and-flow]] simulation in [[System_dynamics|system dynamics]]. ## Reveal %%REVEAL:mermaid%% %%REVEAL:svg%% --- *Concept aligned with [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causal_loop_diagram); adapted text, where present, is licensed [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).* ## Overview Reinforcing loops encode [[Positive_feedback|positive feedback]]—compounding growth, the [[Vicious_circle|vicious circle]]—while balancing loops encode [[Negative_feedback|negative feedback]] and goal-seeking. Formally a diagram is a [[Directed_graph|directed graph]], kin to the [[Directed_acyclic_graph|directed acyclic graph]] and [[Bayesian_network|Bayesian network]] of a probabilistic [[Causal_model|causal model]], and to [[Sewall_Wright|Sewall Wright]]'s [[Path_analysis_(statistics)|path analysis]]. The device is [[Systems_theory|systems-theory]] literacy in miniature: [[Magoroh_Maruyama|Magoroh Maruyama]]'s "second cybernetics" read deviation-amplifying loops through it, [[Network_theory|network]] thinking generalizes it, and a well-drawn loop set makes a mental model auditable before a single equation is fit—even the self-referential twist of a [[Strange_loop|strange loop]] has a place on the page. ## Wikipedia : Wikitube **Strict pair:** [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causal_loop_diagram) : [Wikitube](https://en.wikitube.io/wiki/Causal_loop_diagram) ## Previous hub tags Hubs: `Systems`. Portals: [[PORTAL_Systems]], [[PORTAL_Causal_loop_diagram]].