Effects of behavioral patterns and network topology structures on Parrondo's paradox

Sci Rep. 2016 Nov 15:6:37028. doi: 10.1038/srep37028.

Abstract

A multi-agent Parrondo's model based on complex networks is used in the current study. For Parrondo's game A, the individual interaction can be categorized into five types of behavioral patterns: the Matthew effect, harmony, cooperation, poor-competition-rich-cooperation and a random mode. The parameter space of Parrondo's paradox pertaining to each behavioral pattern, and the gradual change of the parameter space from a two-dimensional lattice to a random network and from a random network to a scale-free network was analyzed. The simulation results suggest that the size of the region of the parameter space that elicits Parrondo's paradox is positively correlated with the heterogeneity of the degree distribution of the network. For two distinct sets of probability parameters, the microcosmic reasons underlying the occurrence of the paradox under the scale-free network are elaborated. Common interaction mechanisms of the asymmetric structure of game B, behavioral patterns and network topology are also revealed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Behavior*
  • Game Theory*
  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical*