Regular Article

Discrete opinion dynamics with M choices

NISC – EACH – Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Arlindo Bétio, 1000, 03828–000 São Paulo, Brazil

^a e-mail: amartins@usp.br

Received: 7 June 2019
Received in final form: 11 October 2019
Published online: 13 January 2020

Abstract

Here, I study how to obtain an opinion dynamics model for the case where there are M possible discrete choices and there is a need to model how strong each agent choice is. The new model is obtained as an extension of the Continuous Opinions and Discrete Actions (CODA) model. Technical difficulties with the choice of proper variables for a simple model are solved. For the symmetrical case, a dimensionless model is found. However, when analyzing the results, a change of variables seems to be required for ease of interpretation. Extremism is observed, generated by the local reinforcement of opinions inside domains of agents with the same choice.