Project 3 Outline: Exploring collective representations through agent-based models

Supervisors

Prof. Amanda Seed (School of Psychology and Neuroscience), Dr. Derek Ball (Department of Philosophy), Dr. Tugce Cuhadaroglu (Department of Economics), and Dr. Gabriel Ramos-Fernandez (National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)).

Project description

This project explores the possibility that groups can use collective representations to interact with their environment. Such phenomena are observed in various contexts, from the natural world to human systems. For instance, ant colonies use pheromone trails to coordinate their foraging activities, creating a dynamic map of food sources. Social welfare functions of economics translate individual preferences into collective preferences, by respecting predefined principles, which in turn determine economic and social outcomes. Transactive memory systems allow inviduals to share and retrieve information efficiently, enhancing group performance. Interactive maps, updated with user-generated data, provide real-time navigation and information, reflecting collective input. These examples illustrate how collectively generated models enable groups and individuals to incorporate environmental features and adjust their behavior accordingly.

The student will develop a comprehensive framework to understand examples of collective representations from different disciplines and employ an agent-based model to explore these concepts in more concrete terms. By simulating a group of agents, each following simple behavioral rules, the project aims to understand how these agents can collectively generate a representation of their environment and identify which underlying properties of the environment and group dynamics result in specific observable patterns. The student will be trained to systematize the extensive literature on collective representations, distilling essential content into simple rules that can be programmed into the agent-based model. Additionally, the student will learn to analyze and validate the model’s results, ensuring that the simulated behaviors align with observed collective phenomena.

Skills & Requirements

Ideal candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, philosophy, biology or economics, and have an interest in using models to study collective behaviour. No prior knowledge of agent-based models is required. The project may include the opportunity to visit UNAM in Mexico City to work on the agent-based model.

Further details and application process

The project has been awarded IBANS Research Bursary of £1000 for research expenses. If you are planning to apply for this project, first contact the supervisors, Prof. Amanda Seed ([email protected]), Dr. Derek Ball ([email protected]), Dr. Tugce Cuhadaroglu ([email protected]) and Dr. Gabriel Ramos-Fernandez ([email protected]) to discuss eligibility and obtain approval. Once an agreement is reached, you can proceed to submit your formal application.