Sentiment and social mitosis: Implications of Heider's Balance Theory

摘要: Two Monte Carlo simulations were developed to investigate the social consequences of balancing sentiment relations among triads members a larger group, when one triad can imbalance others. Using assumptions Balance Theory (Heider, 1958), random starting combinations liking, disliking and no 9, 16 or 25 people iteratively adjusted determine if ever settled steady state what subgroups might emerge. Results show that, regardless configuration sentiments, all imbalances in group are eventually balanced containing more than two subgroups. rule; their relative size depends on number positive, negative null relations. Members within each subgroup linked by positive (liking), only (disliking) towards other subgroup, form mitosis. A second simulation demonstrates that (no relations) will completely who belong which groups. As become plentiful configuration, order historical trajectory restoring balance also contributes membership.