- Thursday, March 9, 2023
- 3:00 PM–4:00 PM
- NH 276
Mathematics & Statistics Colloquium: Coke vs. Pepsi: The Dynamics of People's Opinions
You are invited to the March 9 Mathematics & Statistics Colloquium. Join us in NH 276 at 3:00 pm for light refreshments, and a lecture by two Calvin students at 3:10.
Speakers: Ashlyn DeGroot and Emma Schmidt
Title: Coke vs. Pepsi: The Dynamics of People's Opinions
Abstract:
We create a model for opinion dynamics comprised of nonlinear ODEs. The variables are the proportion of moderates in the population who hold opinion A, the proportion of zealots who hold opinion A, and the proportion of zealots who hold opinion B (not A). The zealots are willing to change their opinion only at a much slower rate than the moderates. We take into account effects like attractiveness of opinions, indoctrination, and deradicalization. The critical points of the system show us where solutions run over time, and given an initial proportion of opinions, we can discover the end makeup of a population—i.e. what percentage of the population belongs to which belief group.
Location details
North Hall 276
