feedback mechanism
Self-correcting system loop
A feedback mechanism is a system where output influences subsequent input, creating a self-regulating loop.
In biology, body temperature triggers sweating or shivering to restore equilibrium.
In engineering, a thermostat adjusts heating based on room temperature.
Feedback mechanisms can be negative (stabilizing, correcting deviations) or positive (amplifying change until some limit is reached): The housing bubble was driven by a feedback mechanism where rising prices encouraged more speculation.
- loopCurve closing on itself
- control systemMechanism that regulates behavior
- controlAuthority to direct
- responseAnswer to stimulus
- signalMessage-conveying cue
thermostat · regulation · input · output · homeostasis · steady state · adjustment · sensor · correction · balance · cycle · reaction · trigger · dampening · amplification · vicious cycle · equilibrium · self-regulation
- virtuous cyclesnowball effect, upward spiral