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Control Complexity Dynamics - Scaffolded-Exploration Flywheel and Cognitive-Overload Trap

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About This MicroSim

A causal loop diagram with eight variable-nodes and two named loops. R1 (Scaffolded-exploration flywheel): When control count stays tight, available germane capacity feeds observation quality, pattern recognition, schema construction, learner confidence, and exploration depth -- a reinforcing productive loop. B1 (Cognitive-overload trap): Too many controls raise extraneous cognitive load, crowd out germane capacity, and freeze exploration. The shared node "Available Germane Capacity" belongs to both loops.

Diagram Details

flowchart LR
    NC[Number of Controls] -->|+| ECL[Extraneous Cognitive Load]
    ECL -->|minus| AGC[Available Germane Capacity]
    AGC -->|+| OQ[Observation Quality]
    OQ -->|+| PR[Pattern Recognition]
    PR -->|+| SCH[Schema Construction]
    SCH -->|+ delay| LC[Learner Confidence]
    LC -->|+| ED[Exploration Depth]
    ED -->|+| PR
    NC -->|minus| ED