Which term means feedback that trends to dampen a process by applying the output against the initial conditions?

• A. Negative Feedback
• B. Misinformation
• C. Justice
• D. Free rider

Answer: (A)

Negative feedback is a control mechanism where a system dampens a disturbance by producing an output that counteracts the initial change, steering the process back toward its original conditions. This stabilizes processes by reducing deviations rather than amplifying them. For example, when body temperature rises, cooling processes are activated to bring it back down; when blood glucose rises after a meal, insulin promotes uptake to lower it. This contrasts with positive feedback, which amplifies changes. The other terms don’t describe a regulatory feedback mechanism: misinformation is false information, justice is fairness, and a free rider benefits without contributing.