Düring, Bertram, Markowich, Peter, Pietschmann, Jan-Frederik and Wolfram, Marie-Therese (2009) Boltzmann and Fokker-Planck equations modelling opinion formation in the presence of strong leaders. Proceedings A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 465 (211). pp. 3687-3708. ISSN 1364-5021

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Abstract

We propose a mathematical model for opinion formation in a society that is built of two groups, one group of `ordinary¿ people and one group of `strong opinion leaders¿. Our approach is based on an opinion formation model introduced in Toscani (Toscani 2006 Commun. Math. Sci.4, 481¿496) and borrows ideas from the kinetic theory of mixtures of rarefied gases. Starting from microscopic interactions among individuals, we arrive at a macroscopic description of the opinion formation process that is characterized by a system of Fokker¿Planck-type equations. We discuss the steady states of this system, extend it to incorporate emergence and decline of opinion leaders and present numerical results.

Item Type:	Article
Schools and Departments:	School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences > Mathematics
Depositing User:	Bertram During
Date Deposited:	06 Feb 2012 19:58
Last Modified:	22 May 2012 15:39
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/23280

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