WGU D372: INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEMS THINKING TASK 3
REVIEW EXAM LATEST VERSION 2026/2027 (PASS
GUARANTEE)
Question 1. Which of the following best defines a system in the context of
systems thinking?
A. A group of unrelated parts that function independently of one
another
B. A set of interconnected elements organized to achieve a specific
purpose
C. A linear sequence of processes with a defined beginning and end
D. A collection of rules governing how individuals behave in an
organization
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct because a system is defined by its interconnected
elements working together toward a common goal. A is wrong because
systems require interdependence, not independence. C is incorrect since
systems are often non-linear and circular. D describes a policy framework,
not a system.
Question 2. In systems thinking, a feedback loop where a change in one
variable leads to further change in the same direction is called:
A. Balancing feedback
B. Stabilizing feedback
C. Reinforcing feedback
D. Corrective feedback
Correct Answer: C
WGU D372 — Task 3 Review | Page 1 of 5
, Explanation: C is correct because reinforcing (or amplifying) feedback
loops cause a variable to grow or decline exponentially in one direction. A
and B both describe balancing loops that resist change and maintain
stability. D is not a standard systems thinking term.
Question 3. A hospital notices that increasing the number of nurses
reduces patient wait times, which leads to more patient admissions, which
then requires more nurses. This is an example of:
A. A balancing feedback loop
B. A reinforcing feedback loop
C. A causal chain with no feedback
D. A systems archetype known as shifting the burden
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct because the cycle continually amplifies itself —
more nurses lead to more admissions, which lead to a need for more
nurses. A is wrong because balancing loops counteract change, not
reinforce it. C is incorrect since there is a feedback loop. D refers to a
different archetype entirely.
Question 4. Which concept in systems thinking refers to the delay between
a cause and its visible effect within a system?
A. Emergence
B. Leverage point
C. Time delay
D. System boundary
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: C is correct because time delay describes the lag between an
action and its observable consequences, which can lead to overshooting or
instability. A refers to properties arising from the whole system. B is a
place where intervention has significant effect. D refers to what is included
in or excluded from the system of study.
Question 5. A systems archetype in which a short-term solution alleviates
symptoms but weakens the ability to address the fundamental problem is
called:
A. Escalation
WGU D372 — Task 3 Review | Page 2 of 5
REVIEW EXAM LATEST VERSION 2026/2027 (PASS
GUARANTEE)
Question 1. Which of the following best defines a system in the context of
systems thinking?
A. A group of unrelated parts that function independently of one
another
B. A set of interconnected elements organized to achieve a specific
purpose
C. A linear sequence of processes with a defined beginning and end
D. A collection of rules governing how individuals behave in an
organization
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct because a system is defined by its interconnected
elements working together toward a common goal. A is wrong because
systems require interdependence, not independence. C is incorrect since
systems are often non-linear and circular. D describes a policy framework,
not a system.
Question 2. In systems thinking, a feedback loop where a change in one
variable leads to further change in the same direction is called:
A. Balancing feedback
B. Stabilizing feedback
C. Reinforcing feedback
D. Corrective feedback
Correct Answer: C
WGU D372 — Task 3 Review | Page 1 of 5
, Explanation: C is correct because reinforcing (or amplifying) feedback
loops cause a variable to grow or decline exponentially in one direction. A
and B both describe balancing loops that resist change and maintain
stability. D is not a standard systems thinking term.
Question 3. A hospital notices that increasing the number of nurses
reduces patient wait times, which leads to more patient admissions, which
then requires more nurses. This is an example of:
A. A balancing feedback loop
B. A reinforcing feedback loop
C. A causal chain with no feedback
D. A systems archetype known as shifting the burden
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct because the cycle continually amplifies itself —
more nurses lead to more admissions, which lead to a need for more
nurses. A is wrong because balancing loops counteract change, not
reinforce it. C is incorrect since there is a feedback loop. D refers to a
different archetype entirely.
Question 4. Which concept in systems thinking refers to the delay between
a cause and its visible effect within a system?
A. Emergence
B. Leverage point
C. Time delay
D. System boundary
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: C is correct because time delay describes the lag between an
action and its observable consequences, which can lead to overshooting or
instability. A refers to properties arising from the whole system. B is a
place where intervention has significant effect. D refers to what is included
in or excluded from the system of study.
Question 5. A systems archetype in which a short-term solution alleviates
symptoms but weakens the ability to address the fundamental problem is
called:
A. Escalation
WGU D372 — Task 3 Review | Page 2 of 5
