Graphical Representation: Causal Loop Diagrams (Definition)

"One of the tools of systems thinking. Causal loop diagrams capture how variables in a system are interrelated. A CLD takes the form of a closed loop that depicts cause-and-effect linkages." (Virginia Anderson & Lauren Johnson, "Systems Thinking Basics: From Concepts to Casual Loops", 1997)

"A CLD is a graphic model of some of the key system variables connected by arrows that denote the causal influences among the variables. Each arrowhead is identified as either positive (+) or negative (-) to indicate how the dependent variable changes when the independent variable changes." (Daniel D Burke, System Dynamics-based Computer Simulations and Evaluation, 2006)

"A CLD is diagrammatic tool used to describe the causal relationship between key quantities and to identify feedback mechanisms." (Dina Neiger & Leonid Churilov, "Integration of Diagrammatic Business Modeling Tools", 2008)

"A network of actuators connected together is called a causal loop diagram. A causal loop diagram shows how potential business actions lead to complex dynamic effects." (David M Bridgeland & Ron Zahavi, "Business Modeling: A Practical Guide to Realizing Business Value", 2009)

"A tool that captures the causal interrelationships amongst a set of variables. CLDs reveal systemic patterns underlying complex relationships and highlight hidden causes and unintended consequences." (Kambiz E Maani, "Systems Thinking and the Internet from Independence to Interdependence", 2009)

"Causal loop diagramming is a form of cause-and-effect modeling. The diagrams represent systems and their behaviors as a collection of nodes and links. Nodes represent the things in a system, and links illustrate interactions and influences." (Olivia Parr Rudd, "Business Intelligence Success Factors: Tools for Aligning Your Business in the Global Economy", 2009)

"Causal loop diagrams (CLDs) are a kind of systems thinking tool. These diagrams consist of arrows connecting variables (things that change over time) in a way that shows how one variable affects another." (Raed M Al-Qirem & Saad G Yaseen, "Modelling a Small Firm in Jordan Using System Dynamics", 2010)

"A visual representation of a system's feedback loops, where positive loops cycle clockwise, and negative loops cycle counter-clockwise." (DAMA International, "The DAMA Dictionary of Data Management", 2011)

"In systems thinking terms, causal loop diagrams are simplified ways to describe essential elements and relationships in a system. These diagrams include curved causal-link arrows (depicting influence from cause to effect) and the polarity of that linkage. An 's' indicates that cause and effect move in the same direction and an  'o' shows that they move in opposite directions (e.g., when cause increases, effect decreases below what it would have been). Causal-link arrows combine into balancing (B) and reinforcing (R) feedback loops. Significant lags between an action and the effects of that action appear as 'delay' on the causal-link arrows." (Karen L Higgins, "Economic Growth and Sustainability: Systems Thinking for a Complex World", 2015)

"A causal loop diagram (CLD) is a causal diagram that aids in visualizing how a number of variables in a system are interrelated and drive cause-and-effect processes. The diagram consists of a set of nodes and edges. Nodes represent the variables, and edges are the links that represent a connection or a relation between the two variables." (Andreas F Vermeulen, "Practical Data Science: A Guide to Building the Technology Stack for Turning Data Lakes into Business Assets", 2018)

"Methodology to build conceptual or simulation models depicting the causal structure of a complex system." (Francesca Costanza & Pietro Fontana, "Distributing Mutual Advantages in Italian Cooperatives: An Analysis of Patronage Refunds", 2019)

"In system dynamics modelling, they are closed causal chains involving relevant variables, whose interactions are responsible for the patterns of behavior taking place within a certain system." (Francesca Costanza, "Managing Patients' Organizations to Improve Healthcare: Emerging Research and Opportunities", 2020)