Scriptapedia/Chickens and Eggs

Context and Purpose of the Script

This script is used to introduce concepts of causal loop diagram (CLD) and provide an example of feedback loops to those without knowledge of system dynamics. The purpose of the script is to provide a universal and easy to understand metaphor for complex systems.

Status

Promising

Primary Nature of Group Task

Presentation

Time

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Time required during session: 10–15 minutes

Follow-up time: 0 minutes

Materials

• Markers or pens
• A white board or flip chart papers

Inputs

1. A story of chickens reproduction, growth, overcrowding, and injuries.
2. A graph over time of chicken population growth dynamic.
3. A drawing with chicken crossing roads if preferred.  

Example of Chicken and Eggs

Outputs

1. A causal loop diagram of chicken population growth dynamic with variables, polarity, feedback loops, and delays.
2. Familiarity with the concepts of feedback loops (reinforcing and balancing), causal relationships with polarities between variables, and how to interpret dynamics from a causal loop diagram.  

Roles

Modeler or facilitator with training in system dynamics or community based system dynamics

Steps

1. First, the facilitator will tell a story of chickens reproducing, population growth, overcrowding, and injuries, while drawing a picture of the narrative.
2. Then, the facilitator will present a graph over time to describe this dynamic – of chicken population growth with a hope of sustained growth, and a fear of collapse.
3. The facilitator then draws a causal loop diagram to represent the reinforcing and balancing loops of the story.  The facilitator then explains that the model functions as a “dynamic hypothesis” of the structure that may create this behavior.
4. The presentation should highlight
   • Polarity,
   • What a variable means (it varies)
   • Feedback loops (reinforcing and balancing)
   • Delays
5. (S)he then asks if there are other factors or structures, and can add on other sources of injuries, other factors that reduce eggs, etc. and maps those factors onto the CLD, to demonstrate that models are meant to be tools for dialogue and thinking.  As participants nominate additional links, the facilitator adds those links to the model.

Evaluation Criteria

Participants contribute variables indicating understanding of dynamic variables

Authors

Originally developed by Brian Biroscek. Refined and expanded by Peter Hovmand, Ellis Ballard and the Social System Design Lab

History

None

Revisions

None

References

None

Notes

None