Double-loop learning

Smith MK, Argyris C. Theories of action, double-loop learning and organizational learning. The encyclopedia of informal education, 2003 www.infed.org/ thinkers/argyris.htm. 

The additional double loop analysis gives more detailed information regarding the 44 ineffective control elements, distinguishing true ineffective elements of the single loop from the false ineffective elements that in fact concern the double loop learning , i.e. an ineffective steering element. The results of this additional analysis are presented in Figure 37. 

From this figure, it can be seen that in more than 60 % of the single loop control elements initially indicated as ineffective (total of 44 elements), the true ineffective element originates from the double loop learning cycle, i.e. the ineffectiveness originates from the steering element. In about only 40 % of the ineffective elements the initial single loop indication was correct. 

Argyris C (1977) Double loop learning in organizations. Harvard Bus Rev 55(5) 115-125... 

In exploring the organisational defences, Argyris makes the distinction between single-loop and double-loop learning. Figure 10.9. 

Figure 10.9 Single-loop and double-loop learning.

The answer to the second question is that it is only by two occurrences (i.e. reoccurrence for a first time), that the single loop can be questioned. The double loop can only be questioned after three occurrences (i.e. re-occurrence for a second time). Concluding, that only identical deviations occurring three or more times and separated with a time lapse sufficient for the organizations to learn, will be recognised as a precursor. 

Modification of the 2 -hydroxyl moiety on the ribose can also occur in the anticodon loop of tRNA. Although methylation of nucleosides is widespread, 2 -0-ribose methylation is found occasionally in the first position of the anticodon but not the second or third. Because the modification of nucleosides in and adjacent to the anticodon loop of tRNA is commonplace, Satoh et examined the decoding efficiency of tRNA in a cell-free expression system when either the first, second, or third nucleosides in the anticodon (either C-G-A or C-U-C) were methylated at the 2 -hydroxyl. While 2 -0-methylcytosine (Cm) in the first position increased the translational efficiency, methylation of both the second and third nucleoside (both the double modification as well as individual methylations at either position) resulted in dramatic reductions in activity. This study serves as a reminder that although methylation may seem simple and diverse throughout the RNA sequence, we still have much to learn about the functionality and biological importance of these modified nucleosides. 

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