---
title: "Feedback (systems)"
source: "https://systems-analysis.info/eng/Feedback_(systems)"
wiki: "systems-analysis.info/eng"
article: "Feedback_(systems)"
language: "en"
categories:
  - "Category:Basic concepts"
  - "Category:Control"
  - "Category:English"
  - "Category:Science"
  - "Category:Systems analysis"
  - "Category:Systems approach"
  - "Category:Systems theory"
revision_id: 145
wiki_created_at: 2026-09-06T22:17:58Z
wiki_modified_at: 2026-09-06T22:17:58Z
downloaded_at: 2026-09-07T22:21:19Z
---

# Feedback (systems)

**Feedback** is the process of transmitting information about a system's operational results back to its input to correct its behavior or state. The feedback mechanism is a fundamental element of the functioning, stability, and development of systems.

## General Characteristics

Feedback establishes a connection between a system's outputs and its control inputs. Through feedback mechanisms, a system is able to:

- monitor the results of its own actions;
- identify deviations from set goals or parameters;
- make adjustments to its functioning to achieve the desired state.

The presence of feedback loops is a necessary condition for the self-regulation and adaptation of systems in a changing [environment](https://systems-analysis.info/eng/System_environment "System environment").

## Types of Feedback

In systems analysis, the main types of feedback are distinguished:

- **Negative feedback** — seeks to reduce deviations and stabilize the system, returning it to a target state. It ensures operational stability.
- **Positive feedback** — amplifies deviations, promoting the system's development or transformation. It can lead to accelerated growth or a transition to a new state.

Both types of feedback play a crucial role in the dynamics of complex systems, determining the nature of their [behavior](https://systems-analysis.info/eng/System_behavior "System behavior").

## Role of Feedback in Systems

Feedback is involved in:

- maintaining [stability](https://systems-analysis.info/eng/System_stability "System stability");
- ensuring adaptivity;
- initiating [development](https://systems-analysis.info/eng/System_development "System development");
- organizing interaction between elements and subsystems.

Systems without effective feedback mechanisms lose the ability to respond to environmental changes and maintain their integrity.

## Feedback and Control

In control systems, feedback plays a key role:

- it allows for the adjustment of control actions based on actual results;
- it forms closed control loops;
- it enables the achievement of goals in the presence of external and internal disturbances.

The principle of feedback is fundamental to cybernetic control, automated regulation systems, and self-regulation processes in biological, technical, and social systems.

## Examples of Feedback

- In biology: regulation of body temperature through thermoregulation mechanisms.
- In engineering: automatic regulation of engine speed using sensors.
- In society: adjustment of government policy based on public reaction.

## External links

- <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feedback" class="external text" rel="nofollow">Feedback — Wikipedia</a>
- <a href="https://en.citizendium.org/wiki/Feedback" class="external text" rel="nofollow">Feedback — Citizendium</a>

## See also

- [System development](https://systems-analysis.info/eng/System_development "System development")
- [System stability](https://systems-analysis.info/eng/System_stability "System stability")