Double-loop learning

Argyis describes the concept of double-loop learning (DLL) in which an individual/organisation/entity is able, having attempted to achieve a goal on different occasions, to modify the goal in the light of experience or possibly even reject the goal. Single-loop learning (SLL) is the repeated attempt at the same problem, with no variation of method and without ever questioning the goal.

As a contemporary example, Lisa Simpson undertakes as part of her science project, to find out whether her brother or her hampster is smarter. To do so, she suspends a doughnut beyond a hamsters wheel, and a doughnet beyond the lit gas flames of the kitchen stove. She places the hamster on the wheel, and tells Bart about the donut. The hamster runs frantically after the donut and Bart repeatedly attempts to reach across the flames to reach the doughnut. After a short period of time the hamster gives up, realising it cannot ever reach the donut. Bart continues to reach for the flames, continually being burnt. The Hamster thus demonstrates double-loop learning (the capacity to modify the goal) and Bart single-loop learning (an inability to modify the goal).

The DLL concept has close links to Gregory Bateson's deutero-learning ('learning how to learn').