Definitionv1

Vicious cycle: a feedback loop where the consequence of a

Vicious cycle: a feedback loop where the consequence of a behavior reinforces the trigger that produced the behavior, creating a self-sustaining pattern that accelerates over time and becomes increasingly automatic and invisible.

Why This Is a Definition

This definition precisely establishes the semantic boundary of 'vicious cycle' by identifying its key components (trigger, behavior, consequence, reinforcement) and distinguishing it from other patterns by describing its accelerating, automatic, and invisible characteristics. It uses curriculum-specific language and clearly differentiates it from related concepts like 'feedback loop' by emphasizing the reinforcing mechanism that sustains and amplifies the pattern.

Source Lessons

L-0473

Breaking negative feedback loops

Identifying the reinforcing mechanism is the key to breaking a destructive loop.

Connections

Defines (31)

AxiomWorking Memory Capacity Limit AxiomExponential Information Decay AxiomOpen-Loop Cognitive Cost (Zeigarnik)AxiomExtended Cognition Thesis AxiomDirected Attention as Depletable Resource AxiomHindsight Bias and Calibration Necessity AxiomExpertise Transforms Perceptual Chunking AxiomLinguistic Structuring of Thought AxiomComplementary Learning Systems Architecture AxiomDual Coding Theory: Verbal and Visual Channels AxiomUltradian and Circadian Cognitive Rhythms AxiomPatterns Exist in Hierarchical Logical Levels AxiomEmotion as Systematic Cognitive Modulator AxiomMeaning as Receiver Construction AxiomBias Blind Spot Asymmetry AxiomCognition Operates Through Dual Processing Systems AxiomMental States Are Cognitively Imputable AxiomLooping Effects of Human Classification AxiomAutomatic Pattern Perception AxiomBasic-Level Category Privilege AxiomPiagetian Equilibration Through Schema Dynamics AxiomSimple decision rules using less information can outperform AxiomPeople interpret failure as either evidence about their AxiomLosses loom larger than equivalent gains in human AxiomYou necessarily trust your own cognitive faculties as a AxiomWhen estimating future task duration, people naturally adopt AxiomExpert performance in complex domains requires deliberate AxiomWhen a habit forms, neural activity spikes at the cue and AxiomDefault options determine behavior more reliably than AxiomSituation selection (choosing which situations to enter) is AxiomRegulatory flexibility—the ability to shift between

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