What type of feedback signals a system to correct a deviation?

Negative feedback is a concept that plays a crucial role in systems theory, particularly within family systems therapy. It refers to information that is sent back to a system indicating that adjustments are needed to maintain stability or homeostasis. In the context of communication systems, negative feedback reduces discrepancies and corrects deviations from a desired state or goal.

For example, if a family's communication patterns shift in an unhealthy direction, negative feedback would serve to indicate to members that changes are necessary. This can help restore equilibrium and encourage healthier interactions. The essence of negative feedback is that it promotes balance within a system by highlighting and addressing problematic behaviors or situations.

In contrast, the other options address different concepts. A double bind refers to a communication dilemma where a person receives conflicting messages, leading to confusion and stress. Equifinality indicates that a system can reach the same end state from different initial conditions or via different paths, which doesn’t focus on correcting deviations but rather on achieving similar outcomes through diverse methods. Cybernetics is the broader study of regulatory systems and feedback but is not specifically about correcting deviations. Thus, negative feedback stands out as the answer that directly relates to the adjustment and correction of deviations within a system.