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created with NetLogo
view/download model file: GroupThink.nlogo
WHAT IS IT?
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This model follows the behavior of agents which may have one of two possible "opinions". The two possible opinions are represented by a color, red or green. Turtles may change their opinion on each turn based on the dominant opinion of their neighbors, thus showing the effects of a simple form of the "group think" phenomenon.
The model shows how the opinions of individuals rapidly form large-scale patterns.
Thomas Schelling's investigations of social systems inspired this model.
HOW TO USE IT
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Click the "Go" button to start the simulation. Click it again to stop.
The "Setup" button will randomize the population prior to another run.
The "number" slider will adjust the number of agents on the field.
THINGS TO NOTICE
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The simple algorithm changes the "opinion" held by an agent based solely on the opinions of the agent's neighbors. Note that this is sufficient to result (quickly!) in segregation of agents into connected communities holding the same "opinion".
THINGS TO TRY
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Try increasing or decreasing the number of agents (turtles).
EXTENDING THE MODEL
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Only simple Boolean "ideas" are currently described. The model could easily be extended so that "ideas" are represented as an arbitrarily more complicated matrix. This would allow exploration of gradually-changing idea structures.
Currently, each agent changes its behavior with scant regard for its own former opinion. The implementation of "stubborness", or resistance to change, may be interesting.
What happens if an "inventor" is added to the model? An inventor may have an original "idea", be resistant to change and even actively encourage the spread of the new idea. Under what conditions can a new idea flourish or even survive?
NETLOGO FEATURES
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The "neighbors" function is used to determine the "opinion" of surrounding agents.
RELATED MODELS
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This model is a simplification of the NetLogo Segregation model.
CREDITS AND REFERENCES
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Schelling, T. (1978). Micromotives and Macrobehavior. New York: Norton.
Seee also a recent Atlantic article: Rauch, J. (2002). Seeing Around Corners; The Atlantic Monthly; April 2002;Volume 289, No. 4; 35-48. http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/2002/04/rauch.htm
Wilensky, U. (1998). NetLogo Segregation model. http://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/models/Segregation. Center for Connected Learning and Computer-Based Modeling, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.