PSYC 201 Chapter : Syll201NEWBRCCSPRING2012
Document Summary
Systems theory- flow of energy (ultimate energy source = sun) Open system- systems in nature are generally not self-contained: inputs of energy and matter flow into the system, and outputs of energy and matter flow from the system. (ex. Earth is an open system in regards to energy) Closed system- a system that is shut off from the surrounding environment so that it is self-contained. (ex. Earth is essentially a closed system in terms of physical matter and resources) These outputs function as information that returns to various points in the system via pathway, or feedback loops that can guide and sometimes control, future system operations. Negative feedback- feedback information discourages change in the system (increase temperature, more water vapor, increase # of clouds, decrease temperature) Positive feedback- feedback information encourages change in the system (increase temperature, more water vapor, enhances green house effect)
