GESTS01X: Science, Technology and Society
ACTIVITY WORKSHEET:
“Systems Thinking Tools”
NAMES: Huerno, Meridor, Nanayon, Pepito, Samson
SECTION: ARC 233
Part 1
Directions: Construct a simple causal loop diagram and behavior over time graphs for the
scenario below.
A rich fisheries resource attracts many fishing companies, resulting in an increase in fishing
activities. Over time, without sufficient sustainability efforts, the fish stock population declines
which, in turn, impacts the fishing activities. With fewer fish being caught, the fish stock gets an
opportunity to thrive and replenish its population. This progress encourages the fishing
companies to continue their activities.
1. Construct a CLD with all the possible variables in the story. Indicate the polarities and
overall feedback mechanism (5 points).
Polarity:
+DIRECT RELATIONSHIP
Both Variables are increasing or decreasing
Feedback
REINFORCING FEEDBACK
An effect is pushed forward or amplified through time
2. Construct behavior over time graphs on:
a. Fish Population (5 points)
b. Fishing activities (5 points)
3. Answer the following questions:
a. What type of BOTG represents the fishing population based on the scenario? In one
sentence, interpret what the graph tells about the fish stock. (5 points)
The graph of the fishing population is a type E BOTG (Behavior Over Time Graph),
showing a dramatic decline in the fish population over time from 2014 to 2024.
b. What type of BOTG represents the fishing activities based on the scenario? In one
sentence, interpret what the graph tells about the fishing activities. (5 points)
The graph of the fishing activities is a B BOTG (Behavior Over Time Graphs), illustrating
an increased number of fishing activities over the years.
c. If fishing activities continue despite the decline in the fish stock, what will happen to
the fish population? Show your answer in a behavior-over-time graph (5 points)
Part 3
Construct your own causal loop diagram about anything related to your interest or field, or
a problem/issue that you want to explore. Your CLD should have minimum of 4 variables,
could have single or multiple loops, with individual polarities and overall feedback
mechanism
CAUSAL LOOP DIAGRAM: (10 points)
As students who study architecture, we frequently deal with a complicated combination of
requirements, including time management, creativity, and maintaining a balance between work
and rest. The CLD illustration below will show the interconnection of these problems and how
they can result in loops that are both reinforcing and balanced.
Variables: Line color:
Study Time + Increase
Project Quality - Decrease
Stress Levels
Creativity
Sleep/Rest
Social Life
Physical and Mental Health
R1 : Study Time increases lead to higher-quality projects. This lowers stress levels and makes it
possible for the student to study longer and more productively, starting a vicious cycle.
R2 : Increased stress levels affect both physical and mental health, which makes it harder to
manage study time wisely. Stress then increases as a resulting worse project quality, increasing
the negative impacts.
B1: As sleep increases, the physical and mental health improve, hence low stress levels. Better
sleep results from lower stress levels, which has a balancing effect.
B2: Having a social life enhances creativity, which raises the project quality. A balanced cycle of
creativity and sleep results from improved project quality, which lowers stress levels and gives
more time for social life
Feedback:
One key takeaway is the need to balance study time with relaxation. Focusing too much on
studying while neglecting sleep, social life, or health can lead to more stress and poor
well-being. The balancing loops show that even small improvements in social activities and rest
can greatly reduce stress and boost project results.
The diagram also highlights the importance of creativity in architecture. Creativity isn’t just
the result of hard work but also needs to be nurtured through hobbies and social interactions.
These activities can improve project quality and lower stress.
The CLD helps us understand the challenges architecture students face, stressing the need
for balance between studying, relaxation, creativity, and social life. By recognizing the
reinforcing and balancing loops, students can make better choices to avoid burnout and achieve
long-term success. It’s a reminder that success in architecture is about balance, not just working
harder.
