In the yearly overview, I mentioned that I wanted to write a few posts about [1]. The model introduced in [1] is particularly interesting because it breaks the core assumption of the original voter model. In the "poll-delayed voter model" the agents do not interact directly with each other. Instead, they become aware of the opinion distribution in society through the periodic public polling.

Let us see what we can learn from this model.

Over the last few months, we have focused on the game theory. We have recently even looked at adaptive strategies in repeated Colonel Blotto games. Another approach to adaptation phenomena is evolutionary game theory. Video by Primer is an excellent illustration of this fascinating branch of game theory. So, let us see how the players' strategies evolve when playing the classic "rock, paper, scissors" game. Players will play the game multiple times and learn from their experience. Though notably, here, learning will be indirect. Instead of individual, the simulated society will evolve based on the performance of different strategies. Can you guess the evolutionary trajectory of the simulated society?

Continuing the ongoing tradition (see the post from last year), I gave another two lecture tutorial introducing Master degree students to the physics of socio-economic phenomena. This time, the tutorial's focus has shifted from agent-based modeling towards complex systems and scale-free phenomena point-of-view. I was looking for a way to present this research area to physics students, but I have to admit that Mantegna's and Stanley's approach is indeed superior (see [1]).

You can find the newest iteration of slides here.

References

• R. N. Mantegna, H. E. Stanley. Introduction to Econophysics: Correlations and Complexity in Finance. Cambridge University Press, 1999. doi: 10.1017/CBO9780511755767.

Eleven years ago I have written a post about many particle interactions in the kinetic exchange models. Few days ago I have stumbled upon that post and noticed that it features a model that has little in common with kinetic exchange models. Under these circumstances the only natural thing is to write a dedicated post highlighting the said model.

So, consider how we make decisions. Not all of us are skilled and informed enough to make decisions on our own in all possible everyday scenarios. I may be a physicist, but I do not understand some branches of physics well enough. I am not speaking about the questions outside my work or hobby expertise. In such cases, we must rely on our social contacts (acquaintances, co-workers, family members, etc.) to help us decide.

Are you interested in complex systems, opinion dynamics, or the voter model? Do you have a Master's degree in Physics or Mathematics and a good grasp of statistics and numerical simulation? Would you like to work together with me as your PhD supervisor? If so, apply for a PhD position at the Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy (part of the Faculty of Physics at Vilnius University).