Causal Loops as a Tool to Solve (any) Problems.

(This blog is under construction.)

The causal loop diagram is a neat framework to solve complex, interdependent problems. This tool will keep your focus on identifying the variables and their interplay.

As its name suggests, this diagram will have many loops, called causal loops connecting dots. This tool can help us keep a razor-sharp focus on the problem rather than politics behind the problem.

First, you need to have a good handle on the causal story. That is, knowing what problem are you solving?

To keep it simple, let’s assume that our problem is managing anger. Next, let’s look at the tool’s constructs.

This tool has 4 basic constructs.

The first one is the variables. A variable name in the causal loop must take the noun form. Variables’ value can change. If your problem has many variables, you are dealing with a multi-dimensional problem.

To draw this diagram, can you help me with one variable that could cause anger? Just one is enough to start with.

I am sure you have a bunch of variables already.

Continue with this blog, let me pick one for you.

Some people cannot stand any criticism; constructive or not. The criticism is a noun. Its degree can vary based on who is on the other side of the table. I am assuming we did not run into any “belief police.”

We found one scapegoat. Let’s put it in the diagram.

Criticism

A diagram will replace this text.

The second basic construct is the link between variables. We discussed only one variable so far. The solution we are seeking is managing our anger. Anger is the variable that we derived from our problem statement.

Criticism & Anger

A diagram will replace this text.

Criticism leads to Anger. Criticism is the evil twin brother of Anger. When the former shows face, the latter could blow out of proportion.

We found a causal link. What’s next?

Those with a pure statistics background, hold your horses. I am with you. The correlation does not mean causation Agreed. The causal link between these two variables is a well-established truth among mortals. We will discuss this topic later.