I have been working on learning and using agent-based modeling (ABM) to look at the fundamental assumptions of communication theories. In my dissertation, I will be using ABM to demonstrate that voluntary groups can emerge from an autonomous, heterogenous population based on the principles of Perceived Voluntary Group Cohesion (PVGC). I am still working on the exact design of the model, but so far I have following workflow:
The simulation space is defined by one public area (the default space) and two group areas. In the model, it is assumed that (1) when recruiting for a group agents choose to recruit agents like themselves, (2) PVGC is the sole motivator of group involvement, and (3) PVGC degrades over time without further participation.
PVGC will be calculated by allowing the individual agent to calculate its profits and losses associated with group, keep track of the similarity of the other group members it interacts with while in the group, and keep track of its ability to communicate within the group. These are oversimplified, abstract versions of PVGC in the real world.
By modeling PVGC in an abstract manner, we can see if it is at all possible for individual-level PVGC to lead to the macro-level structure of interest (i.e., stable voluntary groups). This will give some support to PVGC as currently conceptualized, but it is very weak support (i.e., a proof of concept). Because of that a national survey will also be employed which looks at PVGC and future commitment to the organization.
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ABM, dissertation, PVGC, research
UPDATE: I recently received word that my paper was a top three student paper in CT&M.
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A paper I wrote was accepted for presentation in the Communication Theory and Methodology division at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication annual conference. The conference is in August this summer. Here is the abstract:
The spiral of silence is one of the primary social explanations of public opinion formation currently employed in social science research. In short, Noelle-Neumann (1974; 1993) argues that individual-level opinion expression is a function of the opinion climate of the society. This paper adds a macro-level boundary condition to by the theory by examining how group involvement can affect the spiraling process. Using agent-based modeling, a simulation, replicating the assumptions in the spiral of silence, was created. Two other models, which added groups to the simulated society, were also created. Through running and comparing the results of these simulations, it was found that the addition of groups allowed for the survival of the societal-level minority opinions in certain cases. Further research should enhance the models used in this paper and should use agent-based modeling to examine other social communication theories.
The paper is titled “Group Involvement and the Spiral of Silence: Using Agent-Based Modeling to Understand Opinion Expression” and hopefully will sent out for potential publication soon.
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ABM, AEJMC, Conference, research