A Markov Chain Analysis of Genetic Algorithms with a State Dependent Fitness Function

Dawid H. A Markov Chain Analysis of Genetic Algorithms with a State Dependent Fitness Function. Complex Systems. 1994;8:407-417.Abstract. We analyze the behavior of a Simple Genetic Algorithm (GA) in systems where the fitness of a string is determined by a function depending on the state of the whole population. The GA is modeled by a Markov chain and we conclude that for small mutation probabiliti esthelimit distribution will put almost all the weight to the homogeneous states. We derive conditions under which a homogeneous state will be stable for the dynamics representing the expected behavior of the GA. Interpreting the state dependent fitness function as an economic system we prove that any strict economic equilibrium will be a symptotic all y stable with respect to the expected behavior of the GA