Systems archetypes are representations of common complex system dynamics. They are represented by causal loop diagrams. Archetypes are useful for learning systems thinking and providing generic models for use in understanding and representing specific situations. Google on 'system archetypes' for further information.

Besides causal loop representations of archetypes, there are structural archetypes represented as stocks and flows diagrams. These archetypes focus in on the causal structures that produce observed behavior.