TY - JOUR
T1 - A dynamical model of decision-making behavior in a network of consumers with applications to energy choices
AU - McCullen, Nick J
AU - Ivanchenko, M V
AU - Shalfeev, V D
AU - Gale, W F
PY - 2011/9
Y1 - 2011/9
N2 - A consumer behavior model is considered in the context of a network of interacting individuals in an energy market. We propose and analyze a simple dynamical model of an ensemble of coupled active elements mimicking consumers' behavior, where "word-of-mouth" interactions between individuals are important. A single element is modeled using the automatic control system framework. Assuming local (nearest neighbor) coupling we study the evolution of chains and lattices of the model consumers when varying the coupling strength and initial conditions. The results are interpreted as the dynamics of the decision-making process by the energy-market consumers. We demonstrate that a pitchfork bifurcation to the homogeneous solution leads to bistability of stationary regimes, while the autonomous system is always monostable. In the presence of inhomogeneities, this results in the formation of clusters of sharply positive and negative opinions. We also find that, depending on the coupling strength, the perturbations caused by inhomogeneities can be exponentially localized in space or delocalized. In the latter case, the coarse-graining of opinion clusters occurs.
AB - A consumer behavior model is considered in the context of a network of interacting individuals in an energy market. We propose and analyze a simple dynamical model of an ensemble of coupled active elements mimicking consumers' behavior, where "word-of-mouth" interactions between individuals are important. A single element is modeled using the automatic control system framework. Assuming local (nearest neighbor) coupling we study the evolution of chains and lattices of the model consumers when varying the coupling strength and initial conditions. The results are interpreted as the dynamics of the decision-making process by the energy-market consumers. We demonstrate that a pitchfork bifurcation to the homogeneous solution leads to bistability of stationary regimes, while the autonomous system is always monostable. In the presence of inhomogeneities, this results in the formation of clusters of sharply positive and negative opinions. We also find that, depending on the coupling strength, the perturbations caused by inhomogeneities can be exponentially localized in space or delocalized. In the latter case, the coarse-graining of opinion clusters occurs.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=81055126649&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/S0218127411030076
U2 - 10.1142/S0218127411030076
DO - 10.1142/S0218127411030076
M3 - Article
SN - 0218-1274
VL - 21
SP - 2467
EP - 2480
JO - International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos in Applied Sciences and Engineering
JF - International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos in Applied Sciences and Engineering
IS - 09
ER -