Contingency diagrams

Figure 213. Contingency diagram of the environmental events associated with flipping a light switch.

Figure 21.6. Contingency diagram adding delayed outcomes.

Key point Antecedents affect behavior because of the consequences. In the contingency diagrams regarding the light switch and the ringing telephone, the antecedents prompted the behavior to occur because of the consequences that usually follow in the presence of those antecedent conditions. 

Figure 21.7. Contingency diagram that includes learning history.

Maloti, R. W. (1992a). Saving the World with Contingency Diagramming. ABA Newsletter, 75(1), 45. 

The question then arises whether the free energy curve of a nonstoichiometric phase is to be considered in isolation, unrelated to those of adjacent phases in the equilibrium diagram, or whether the free energy is a continuous function of composition over the entire range. In the former case, for compositions outside the stable existence range, the compound is metastable with respect to a two-phase mixture, but its metastability is contingent on the presence of the second phase there is no inherent restriction to the possible deviation from ideal stoichiometry. The second alternative contains a built-in condition of absolute instability above a certain degree of defectiveness. 

Careful analysis of all the factors included in such a diagram enables the firm to plan a feasible cost reduction programme, which can thereafter be integrated into its overall cost structure to re-establish competitive advantage. Identification of the inter-relationship between factors provides a mechanism to establish contingency plans and reduce political pressures within an organisation. 

---