1 research outputs found
When Models Interact with their Subjects: The Dynamics of Model Aware Systems
A scientific model need not be a passive and static descriptor of its
subject. If the subject is affected by the model, the model must be updated to
explain its affected subject. In this study, two models regarding the dynamics
of model aware systems are presented. The first explores the behavior of
"prediction seeking" (PSP) and "prediction avoiding" (PAP) populations under
the influence of a model that describes them. The second explores the
publishing behavior of a group of experimentalists coupled to a model by means
of confirmation bias. It is found that model aware systems can exhibit
convergent random or oscillatory behavior and display universal 1/f noise. A
numerical simulation of the physical experimentalists is compared with actual
publications of neutron life time and {\Lambda} mass measurements and is in
good quantitative agreement.Comment: Accepted for publication in PLoS-ON