In her book “Complexity a guided tour”, Mitchell refers to ‘Idea models’ (chapter 14, Prospects of Computer modeling). According to Mitchell Idea models are to have 4 roles in science:
- Show that a proposed mechanism for a phenomenon is plausible or not
- Explore the effects of variantions on a simple model and prime one’s intuitions about a complex phenomenon
- Inspire new technologies
- Lead to mathematical theories.
[?] What if we could transfer these mathematical theories into practical tools?
[!] Let’s take the set of equations, presented by Nowak (Science 2006) in ‘Five rules for the evoluion of cooperation’ (Nowak). He shows an equation for every type (or at least a fixed set) of reciprocity. This typology is similar to that of Benkler (see earlier post ‘Types of altruism’).
|
Kin selection |
b/c >1/r |
r…coefficient of relatedness |
|
Direct reciprocity |
b/c >1/w |
w…probability of another round |
|
Indirect reciprocity |
b / c > 1 / q |
q…probability to know reputation |
|
Graph selection |
b/c >k |
k…number of neighbors |
|
Group selection |
b/c > 1 + n/m |
n…group size |
[!] These equations are a valuable basis exploring relationships and reciprocity, provided they are to be translated in some kind of questioning tool. This way, there will be a basis for datacollection and exploration:
- Translation of equations into words, so a questionairre or interviews (for example) can be used to determine the types of reciprocity within a group (perhaps accompanied with a fresh idea model).
- Translation of verbal results into visuals, so the value of direct feedback of group-reciprocity can be tested.
- Translation of visuals into consecutive series, so development of group cooperation (based on the five types of reciprocity) can be measured by comparing current visuals with previous ones.
The actions above need to be defined as research questions and interesting cases are to be defined.
[!] MOST IMPORTANT: Define how visualizing relationships will be about gaining perspectives, and not about creating a false feeling of control by detailled descriptions of relationships.
Personal notes for unraveling the ‘mist of reciprocity’:
ad 0: explore idea models
ad 1: The (relative) presence of each type of reciprocity appears by measurement of 5 parameters for every single (or for the top X of the total number of) relation(s)
ad 2: <creating a shared image of all interests (for both individuals and their backbones), defined by the presence/weight of each type …>
ad 3: <… translated into ‘to have a finger-on-the-pulse system available, to be used during collaboration in complex situations’>
