Reading Prompt: Generic Structures

Generic structures

You might already have notices that some stock and flow models look similar. This is a common phenomenon and is called transferability of structures. The actual structures are called generic structures Forrester (1998).

Generic structures in positive feedback loops

The following paper will cover generic structures of first-order positive feedback. Beside a general introduction and a discussion on the behavior of these structures, several exercises are included. Feel free to do some of them.

Please read Albin & Choudhari (1996) now.

You certainly noticed that you are already familiar with many aspects covered by the reading. Understanding the generic structure of simple positive feedback is essential. Knowledge of such generic structures allows you to estimate the behavior of a system. Remember the most important characteristics of positive feedback loops which are summarized on p. 14-15 of Albin & Choudhari (1996).

Generic structures of negative feedback loops

The following paper will cover generic structures of first-order negative feedback. Again, feel free to do some of the exercises.

Please read Albin (1996) now.

As for positive feedback structures, you should have been already familiar with most of the content. Please make sure that you also know the most important characteristics of negative feedback loops that are summarized on p. 19 of Albin (1996).

Generic structures can be misleading

While generic structures can be a great help in modelling, one has to be aware that content, not generic structures matter. The last paper of this reading prompt will provide some examples on an incorrect use of generic structures.

Please read Breierova (1996) now.

After this reading you should have an idea of the snares which are related to a non-reflected use of generic structures. Please keep that in mind.