A behavioral approach to feedback loop dominance analysis

Abstract

Feedback loop dominance is a critical tool in explaining how structure drives behavior. Current analytic tools for loop dominance analysis are tacit, not codified, unable to accurately identify dominant loops or inapplicable to most models. Most loop dominance analysis tools focus on model structure to link structure and behavior. We use a behavioral perspective to define dominance, improve descriptions of behavior patterns and identify two important and incompletely developed areas of feedback analysis: simultaneous dominance by multiple loops and shadow loop structures. An analytic procedure is presented, illustrated and compared to an alternative analysis method. An evaluation of the behavioral approach is the basis for identifying new issues and future research opportunities. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.