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Feedback Loops

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Definition

Feedback refers to an event whereby outputs from one system are fed into a coupled system as inputs, increasing or decreasing subsequent effects and forming a continuous circuit. Often, feedback and self-correction leads to varying adjustments resulting in differences between actual output and desired output, ultimately increasing the change to a given system or reducing change reverting the system to normal functioning (Carver and Scheier 1982).

Introduction

Though traditionally applied to cybernetics, feedback loops are a useful tool in the conceptualization and analysis of human behavior through self-regulation, as explained by Carver and Scheier using control theory (Carver and Scheier 1982).

Types

Positive Feedback

There are two types of feedback: positive feedback and negative feedback. The positive classification refers to accelerating or increasing a process rather than the desirability of the outcome. In a positive feedback loop: A produces more of B which in turn...

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References

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Correspondence to Alexandra, Sophia Malinowski .

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Malinowski, A.S. (2019). Feedback Loops. In: Zeigler-Hill, V., Shackelford, T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_1795-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_1795-1

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-28099-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-28099-8

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