Consensus formation in the Deffuant model of opinion dynamics

Abstract

This final project aims at exploring the emergence of consensus states in the already classic Deffuant model of opinion dynamics. In order to do so, four definitions are proposed and serve as the ground of the subsequent treatment. The results start off with a brief study of the general behavior of the model, as well as of the influence that both initial conditions and the convergence parameter μ exert upon it. After this, a comparison of the original model with two proposed variations of it is carried out, providing further insight into the mechanisms behind the phenomena of interest. Finally, a probabilistic study based on a simplified model of these mechanisms is introduced.