Interdependent binary choices under social influence: phase diagram for homogeneous unbiased populations

TL;DR

This paper analyzes coupled Ising models representing interdependent binary choices in homogeneous populations under social influence, deriving phase diagrams for two coupling schemes and discussing socioeconomic implications.

Contribution

It introduces and compares two coupling schemes in coupled Ising models within a discrete choice framework, providing phase diagrams and socioeconomic insights.

Findings

Phase diagrams for two coupling schemes are derived.

Group and individual interdependence models are contrasted.

Implications for socioeconomic contexts are discussed.

Abstract

Coupled Ising models are studied in a discrete choice theory framework, where they can be understood to represent interdependent choice making processes for homogeneous populations under social influence. Two different coupling schemes are considered. The nonlocal or group interdependence model is used to study two interrelated groups making the same binary choice. The local or individual interdependence model represents a single group where agents make two binary choices which depend on each other. For both models, phase diagrams, and their implications in socioeconomic contexts, are described and compared in the absence of private deterministic utilities (zero opinion fields).