Lecture B1 (2022-01-20): Introduction to Causal Loop Diagrams

In this lecture, we pivot from our introduction to system dynamics modeling in general to discuss the broader endogenous perspective, where macroscopic observables of a system are a function of internal, not external, causes. That motivates the rest of the lecture, which introduces the "Causal Loop Diagram" (CLD). A CLD includes a network of links (representing positive or negative causal relationships) that may form loops (that are positive or negative). We can use CLD's to build stock-and-flow diagrams (dynamical systems models) or to gain insights into the trajectories produced by existing stock-and-flow diagrams.