Discussion paper: "Co-developing beliefs and social influence networks – towards understanding Brexit"

Centre for Policy Modelling Discussion paper: CPM-17-235

Abstract.

A relatively simple model is presented where the beliefs of agents and their social network co-develop. Agents can either hold or not each of a fixed menu of candidate beliefs. Depending on their type, agents have different coherency functions between beliefs, so that they are more likely to adopt a belief from a neighbour or drop a belief where this increases the total coherency of their belief set. With given probabilities links are randomly dropped or added but, if possible, links are made to a “friend of a friend”. The outcomes when both belief and link change processes occur are qualitatively different from either alone, showing the necessity of representing both cognitive and social processes together. Some example results are shown which moves a little towards modelling the processes behind divisive collective decisions, such as the Brexit vote.

Downloads

• The paper can be downloaded at: http://cfpm.org/file_download/177/BE-co-evolving+belliefs+and+social+network-AISB08.pdf
• The model can be accessed at: http://www.openabm.org/model/5116
• Some slides that discuss the model are at: https://www.slideshare.net/BruceEdmonds/a-model-of-social-and-cognitive-coherence

Slides from talk on "Simulating Superdiversity"

#cfpm_org #abm #ethnosim

An invited talk to the Institute for research into superdiversity (IRIS), University of Birmingham, 31st Jan 2017.

Abstract: A simulation to illustrate how the complex patterns of cultural and genetic signals might combine to define what we mean by "groups" of people is presented. In this model both (a) how each individual might define their "in group" and (b) how each individual behaves to others in 'in' or 'out' groups can evolve over time.  Thus groups are not something that is precisely defined but is something that emerges in the simulation. The point is to illustrate the power of simulation techniques to explore such processes in a non-prescriptive way that takes the micro-macro distinction seriously and represents them within complex simulations. In the particular simulation presented, groups defined by culture strongly emerge as dominant and ethnically defined groups only occur when they are also culturally defined.

Slides available at: http://www.slideshare.net/BruceEdmonds/simulating-superdiversity

Linked to the upcoming workshop on simulating ethonocentrism and diversity, Manchester 7/8 July 2017: