Role of Aspirational Learning on Evolution of Cooperation in Static and Dynamic Networks

Pal, Anuran (2021) Role of Aspirational Learning on Evolution of Cooperation in Static and Dynamic Networks. Engd thesis, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata.

Text (MS Dissertation of Anuran Pal (16MS152)) 16MS152_Thesis_file.pdf - Submitted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (10MB)

Abstract

Altruistic acts come at a cost for the individuals who undertake them, but, cooperative societies perform much better than that of selfish ones. This dilemma has been approached using different models exploiting the availability of information to all the players. In this project, I have used the public goods games framework to look closely at a particular low information decision making process. Individuals embedded in a network, not privy to any information from the neighbours, aspire for a payoff based on previous experiences only, parametrized by a population level variable, learning ability. Categorizing players based on their satisfaction and the resulting action reveal periodic cycling between the different categories. It is observed that static network consisting of slowlearners display sustained cooperative behaviour for short intervals. Incorporating cooperation or satisfaction supportive rewiring mechanism eliminates the defective phase altogether and the population display cooperative behaviour irrespective of the learning ability. Network with slow learners capable of modifying ties with ease result in the polarization of the population’s expectations.

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