Opinion Dynamics Model Based on Cognitive Biases of Complex Agents

Bibliographic Data

ID7522305
AuthorsPaweł Sobkowicz (0000-0002-7275-7235, Rathenau Instituut, corresponding author)
Year2018
Volume21
Issue4
Publication date2018-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1460-7425 • E-ISSN: 1460-7425
PublisherJournal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.18564/jasss.3867
OpenAlexW2898798411
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited25

We present an introduction to a novel way of simulating individual and group opinion dynamics, taking into account how various sources of information are filtered due to cognitive biases. The agent-based model presented here falls into the 'complex agent' category, in which the agents are described in considerably greater detail than in the simplest 'spinson' model. To describe agents' information processing, we introduced mechanisms of updating individual belief distributions, relying on information processing. The open nature of this proposed model allows us to study the e ects of various static and time-dependent biases and information filters. In particular, the paper compares the e ects of two important psychological mechanisms: confirmation bias and politically motivated reasoning. This comparison has been prompted by recent experimental psychology work by Dan Kahan. Depending on the e ectiveness of information filtering (agent bias), agents confronted with an objective information source can either reach a consensus based on truth, or remain divided despite the evidence. In general, this model might provide understanding into increasingly polarized modern societies, especially as it allows us to mix di erent types of filters: e.g

Cognition · Cognitive bias · Cognitive model · Cognitive psychology · Confirmation bias · Information processing · Computer Science · Opinion Dynamics and Social Influence · Psychology · Social Psychology · Artificial Intelligence

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Open DOIOpen Access