Behavior Over Time Graph

From WikiSD

Behavior Over Time (BOT) defines the manner in which something changes over some period of time. When we look beyond the cause and event nature of events we find there are patterns of behavior over time which can help us develop an understanding far more relevant than the cause and effect mentality. When we think cause and effect we essentially eliminate all the transitions between the two, which eliminates one of the critical components necessary for understanding.

The System Archetypes all exhibit distinct Behavior Over Time graphs, which is one of the aspects that defines them as System Archetypes.

Within System Dynamics Behavior Over Time graphs are used to establish a baseline pattern the model must generate as one of the dimensions of establishing the models validity.

Contents 1 Basic Structures 2 Balancing Loop 3 Reinforcing Loop 4 See Also 5 References

Basic Structures

The Balancing Loop and Reinforcing Loop, the simplest structures, produce the simplest Behavior Over Time Graphs, as opposed to a straight line, which usually isn't very interesting, at lest unless you're not expecting one.

Balancing Loop

The graph in Fig 1. shows the Balancing Loop endeavoring to bring the structure into balance, which is when the current state equals the desired state.

Reinforcing Loop

The graph in Fig 2. shows the Reinforcing Loop endeavoring to promote growth within the structure, so the larger the result the more rapidly it grows.

See Also

• Systems Thinking
• System Dynamics

References

• Carleton College. Equilibrium, Stability, and Behavior over time
• iseeSystems. Visualizing Math with STELLA: An Introduction to Behavior over Time Graphs.
• Pegasus Communications. Behavior Over Time Graphs.
• Quaden, R, & Lyneis, D. 2000. Drawing and Reading Behavior Over Time Graphs.
• Richardson, G. & Lyneis, D. 1998. Getting Started with Behavior Over Time Graphs: Four Curriculum Examples.