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A mathematical model for attitude formation by pair interactions
Author(s) -
Ii Dirk Helbing
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 0005-7940
DOI - 10.1002/bs.3830370304
Subject(s) - persuasion , field (mathematics) , mathematical model , computer science , psychology , mathematics , statistical physics , social psychology , physics , pure mathematics , statistics
Two complementary mathematical models for attitude formation are considered: Starting from the model of Weidlich and Haag (1983) which assumes indirect interactions that are mediated by a mean field, a new model is proposed, which is characterized by direct pair interactions. Three types of pair interactions leading to attitude changes can be found: First, changes by some kind of avoidance behavior. Second, changes by a readiness for compromises. Third, changes by persuasion. Different types of behavior are distinguished by introducing several subpopulations. Representative solutions of the model are illustrated by computational results.