positive feedback
Amplifying loop mechanism
Positive feedback is a process where an effect amplifies its own cause, creating a self-reinforcing cycle.
In electronics and biology, a signal strengthens itself: Positive feedback in the audio system caused that screeching noise.
The term also means encouraging responses to someone's work or behavior: She got positive feedback on her presentation.
The two senses are nearly opposite—one describes runaway amplification, the other simple approval.
Increase in intensity
- reinforcementAdding support or encouragement
- cascadeSuccessive downward flow
- loopCurve closing on itself
- homeostasisBiological internal stability maintenance
childbirth · lactation · clotting · oxytocin · cytokine · morphogenesis · fever · ovulation
Increase in intensity
- oscillationRepeated back-and-forth movement
- gainPositive return received
- loopCurve closing on itself
- regenerationBiological self-repair process
instability · saturation · distortion · circuit · signal · resonance · squealing · howling
amplification
Increase in intensity
- reinforcementAdding support or encouragement
- cascadeSuccessive downward flow
- loopCurve closing on itself
homeostasis · childbirth · lactation · clotting · oxytocin · cytokine · morphogenesis · fever · ovulation · action potential
amplification
Increase in intensity
- oscillationRepeated back-and-forth movement
- gainPositive return received
- loopCurve closing on itself
regeneration · instability · saturation · distortion · circuit · signal · resonance · squealing · howling · microphone
- feedbackcomment, comments, constructive, complaint, reviews
- Positive Reinforcementencouragement, rewards, commendation, approval, compliments
- rewardreward, reinforcement, incentive, gratification, pleasure
- Favorapproval, liking, preference, support, acceptance
- morale supportpep talk, cheering, applause, encouragement, motivation
- music to someone's earsgood news, glad tidings, happy news, praise, compliment
positive feedbacknegative feedback
Response indicating problems
criticism · disapproval · condemnation · censure · rebuke
position, positive, opposite, composition, feedback, composite, positively, disposition, affirmative