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An analysis of norm emergence in Axelrod's model

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Mahmoud, Samhar, Griffiths, Nathan, Keppens, Jeroen and Luck, Michael (Michael M.) (2010) An analysis of norm emergence in Axelrod's model. In: 8th European Workshop on Multi-Agent Systems, Paris, France, 16-17 Dec 2010 (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Norms are a valuable mechanism for establishing coherent cooperative behaviour in decentralised systems in which no central authority exists. One of the most influential formulations of norm emergence was proposed by Axelrod, who defined a model of norms and metanorms that enables norm establishment in populations of self-interested individuals. This paper provides an empirical analysis of aspects of Axelrod's approach, by exploring some of the key assumptions made in previous evaluations of the model. First, we explore the dynamics of norm emergence and the occurrence of norm collapse when applying the model over extended durations. Second, we investigate in detail the reasons for norm collapse in extended applications of the model and show that both the level of mutation in the population and the precise nature of the reproduction mechanism are significant. Our findings identify characteristics that significantly influence norm establishment using Axelrod's formulation, but are likely to be of importance for norm establishment more generally.

Item Type:

Conference Item (Paper)

Subjects:

Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Electronic computers. Computer science. Computer software

Divisions:

Faculty of Science > Computer Science

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):

Social norms, Intelligent agents (Computer software)

Official Date:

December 2010

Dates:

Date	Date Type
December 2010	Available

Status:

Not Peer Reviewed

Publication Status:

Unpublished

Conference Paper Type:

Paper

Title of Event:

8th European Workshop on Multi-Agent Systems

Type of Event:

Conference

Location of Event:

Paris, France

Date(s) of Event:

16-17 Dec 2010

Related URLs:

http://lipade.math-info.univ-paris5.fr/e...

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