Formation of reciprocal appreciation patterns in small groups: an agent-based model
Authored by Ismo T Koponen, Maija Nousiainen
Date Published: 2016
DOI: 10.1186/s40294-016-0035-6
Sponsors:
No sponsors listed
Platforms:
No platforms listed
Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Mathematical description
Model Code URLs:
Model code not found
Abstract
Purpose: In small cooperative and collaborative groups, patterns of
interaction, discourse and dialogue are often strongly bidirectional;
ties are reciprocal and reciprocated. This reciprocation of ties leads
to the formation of interaction patterns that are reciprocated dyads
(two individuals connected reciprocally) and triads (three individuals
connected reciprocally). In this study, we use an agent-based model to
explore how such reciprocated dyadic and triadic patterns emerge from
self-reinforced appreciation between peers in a small group.
Methods: The model assumes that the agents' decisions to interact depend
on how their self-appreciation compares to their appreciations of their
peers (peer-appreciation). These comparisons are competitive in that an
agent seek to increase its appreciation in relation to its peers. As a
consequence, agents change their self-appreciation and appreciation
towards their peers depending on their sensitivity to the competitive
comparison.
Results: When agents' sensitivity to competitive comparisons is low, the
most common patterns of appreciation are egalitarian triads (all three
agents appreciate each other), while for moderate sensitivity, leadership-type patterns emerge (one agent connected strongly to two
other unconnected agents). When sensitivity is high, strong reciprocally
connected dyads emerge. The model thus predicts thus a transition from
egalitarian triads to strong dyads as agents' sensitivity to competitive
comparisons increases.
Conclusions: The structural similarity between patterns emerging as
model results and patterns reported in empirical research suggests that:
(1) reciprocation based on appreciation is a strong candidate for
explaining the formation of such patterns, and (2) individual
sensitivity to competitive comparisons of appreciation may be a key
factor that can be used to the tune dynamics of interaction in small
groups.
Tags
Complex networks
Opinion dynamics
knowledge
Consensus
bounded confidence
Construction
Peer
Social-exchange
Dyads