System Dynamics Glossary
What is the meaning of Single loop learning?
Single loop learning is a term borrowed from
electrical engineering or cybernetics where, for example, a thermostat is
defined as a single-loop learner. The thermostat is programmed to
detect states of ‘too cold’ or ‘too hot’ and correct
the situation by turning the heat on or off. Whenever
an error [difference, d, between actual and desired states] is
detected and corrected without questioning or altering the underlying values
of the system (be it individual, group, inter-group, organisational or
inter-organisational), the learning is single-loop (Argyris, 1992: 8).
Other topics in our resources on System Dynamics related to Single loop learning include:
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