Abstract
The interaction of three neutral subjects discussing a question is analyzed. The course of the debate is described by three first-order differential equations with coefficients depending on the characteristics of the subjects. Under plausible assumptions the equations are linear and can be solved explicitly. In general, the opinions of the participants approach a common limiting value which is a weighted average of their initial opinions. Special cases are considered in which one or two subjects keep their opinions constant during the discussion. The case of a coalition of two subjects against the third is shown to reduce to a two-party situation. A method of fitting the model to experimental data is suggested. Preliminary trials indicate that it is possible to obtain numerical observations to test this model of a three-party debate.
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Literature
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Henderson, G.P., Cervin, V.B. Statistical theory of persuasion in tripartite negotiations. Bltn Mathcal Biology 35, 487–494 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02575192
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02575192