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Difference Between Positive Feedback and Negative Feedback

Positive Feedback vs Negative Feedback

Positive feedback and Negative feedback are two terms that are used in psychology and these two terms show difference when it comes to their application. Positive feedback causes energy in the body. On the other hand, negative feedback affects the potential to act. This is the main difference between the two terms.

These two types of feedback have two different mechanisms as well. A positive feedback mechanism sounds the beginning of the action potential. On the other hand, a negative feedback mechanism works in the stretch receptors in the muscle and sends signals to the brain to stop action. Hence, negative feedback affects action and its potential.

Positive feedback contributes to the increase in self-confidence. On the other hand, negative feedback contributes to destroying self-confidence. Negative feedback paves way for losing opportunities. On the other hand, positive feedback paves the way for gaining opportunities. This is another important difference between positive and negative feedback.

Positive feedback speeds up and enhances reactions. On the other hand, negative feedback slows down and slackens reactions. Positive feedback gives orders to the brain and encourages it to complete the job quickly and effectively. On the other hand, negative feedback too sends signals to the brain to stop the work or the job abruptly.

It is interesting to note that apart from psychology, subjects like medicine and economics also employ the systems of positive feedback and negative feedback. Positive feedback amplifies the possibilities of divergences and change of goals. On the other hand, negative feedback helps to maintain the stability of a system.

Sometimes negative feedback can produce the best in the person after a certain period of time. This phenomenon is called as homeostasis. Outputs would improve in the course of time in the case of negative feedback. It is interesting to note that positive feedback is also called by the name self-reinforcing loop. This is due to the fact that positive feedback tends to increase the event that caused it. An event caused by positive feedback can increase the output. On the other hand, an event caused by a negative feedback can decrease the output too.

Negative feedback is otherwise called by the name balancing loop. This is due to the fact that negative feedback results in self-correcting at times. Hence, it can pave the way for goal seeking as well. These are the important differences between positive feedback and negative feedback.