https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2006-00131-0
Compromise and synchronization in opinion dynamics
Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Catania, and INFN sezione di Catania, via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy
Corresponding author: a alessandro.pluchino@ct.infn.it
Received:
18
October
2005
Revised:
6
December
2005
Published online:
12
April
2006
We discuss two models of opinion dynamics. We first present a brief review of the Hegselmann and Krause (HK) compromise model in two dimensions, showing that it is possible to simulate the dynamics in the limit of an infinite number of agents by solving numerically a rate equation for a continuum distribution of opinions. Then, we discuss the Opinion Changing Rate (OCR) model, which allows to study under which conditions a group of agents with a different natural tendency (rate) to change opinion can find the agreement. In the context of the this model, consensus is viewed as a synchronization process.
PACS: 89.65.-s – Social and economic systems / 05.10.Ln – Monte Carlo methods / 05.45.Xt – Synchronization; coupled oscillators
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag, 2006