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Social Optimization in the Presence of Cognitive Local Optima: Effects of Social Network Topology and Interaction Mode
Article first published online: 10 JUL 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1756-8765.2009.01035.x
Copyright © 2009 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.
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How to Cite
Kennedy, J. (2009), Social Optimization in the Presence of Cognitive Local Optima: Effects of Social Network Topology and Interaction Mode. Topics in Cognitive Science, 1: 498–522. doi: 10.1111/j.1756-8765.2009.01035.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 10 JUL 2009
- Article first published online: 10 JUL 2009
- Received 7 July 2008; received in revised form 6 May 2009; accepted 6 May 2009
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Keywords:
- Particle swarm;
- Social learning;
- Social influence;
- Distributed cognition;
- Problem solving;
- Social networks
Abstract
The combined tendency for positive self-presentation and mimicry or social learning results in the capability of a population of simulated individuals to optimize their cognitive structures. A population of parallel constraint satisfaction networks was created, with globally and locally optimal activation patterns. Individuals started with random activations and interacted to find optimal vectors. Two social network topologies were tested, as well as two modes of interaction; results indicated that the ability to optimize activation vectors depends on the social network configuration and whether individuals are influenced by their best neighbor or are attracted to a neighborhood centroid. Simulated individuals are able to find suitable patterns of belief or attitude with very little internal information processing, using social interaction.