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Modeling Scientific Agents For A Better Science

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  • ANDRÉ C. R. MARTINS

    (GRIFE – EACH – Universidade de São Paulo Rua Arlindo Béttio, 1000, São Paulo, SP 03828-000, Brazil)

Abstract

Science is a fundamental human activity and we trust its results because it has several error-correcting mechanisms. It is subject to experimental tests that are replicated by independent parts. Given the huge amount of information available and the information asymetry between producers and users of knowledge, scientists have to rely on the reports of others. This makes it possible for social effects to influence the scientific community. Here, an Opinion Dynamics agent model is proposed to describe this situation. The influence of Nature through experiments is described as an external field that acts on the experimental agents. We will see that the retirement of old scientists can be fundamental in the acceptance of a new theory. We will also investigate the interplay between social influence and observations. This will allow us to gain insight in the problem of when social effects can have negligible effects in the conclusions of a scientific community and when we should worry about them.

Suggested Citation

  • André C. R. Martins, 2010. "Modeling Scientific Agents For A Better Science," Advances in Complex Systems (ACS), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 13(04), pages 519-533.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:acsxxx:v:13:y:2010:i:04:n:s0219525910002694
    DOI: 10.1142/S0219525910002694
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vega-Redondo,Fernando, 2007. "Complex Social Networks," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521674096.
    2. Vega-Redondo,Fernando, 2007. "Complex Social Networks," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521857406.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gill Bentley & David Bailey & John Shutt, 2010. "From RDAs to LEPs: A New Localism? Case Examples of West Midlands and Yorkshire," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 25(7), pages 535-557, September.

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