Abstract
We propose using a bi-axial map as a heuristic for categorizing different dynamics involved in the relationship between quality
and popularity. The east–west axis represents the degree to which an agent’s decision is influenced by those of other agents.
This ranges from the extreme western edge, where an agent learns individually (no outside influence), to the extreme eastern
edge, where an agent is influenced by a large number of other agents. The vertical axis represents how easy or difficult it
is for an agent to discern the relative quality of available choices. When a case study is located on the map, it becomes
easier to select the range of tools to use for understanding and predicting the relation between quality and popularity.
and popularity. The east–west axis represents the degree to which an agent’s decision is influenced by those of other agents.
This ranges from the extreme western edge, where an agent learns individually (no outside influence), to the extreme eastern
edge, where an agent is influenced by a large number of other agents. The vertical axis represents how easy or difficult it
is for an agent to discern the relative quality of available choices. When a case study is located on the map, it becomes
easier to select the range of tools to use for understanding and predicting the relation between quality and popularity.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s11299-011-0087-4
- Authors
- R. Alexander Bentley, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Bristol, 43 Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UU UK
- Michael J. O’Brien, Department of Anthropology, University of Missouri, 317 Lowry Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Paul Ormerod, Volterra Partners LLP, 56-58 Putney High Street, London, SW15 1SF UK
- Journal Mind & Society
- Online ISSN 1860-1839
- Print ISSN 1593-7879