Proposal: Our objective is to model the evolution of ethnocentrism and related behaviors. According to Hammond and Axelrod’s definition, ethnocentrism is discriminatory behavior or attitudes derived from observable characteristics habitually influenced by origin. This definition describes how ethnocentrism arises in scenarios based on game theory. We intend to reproduce the results in Hammond and Axlerod's “The Evolution of Ethnocentrism.”©ˆ

Once producing similar results to Hammond and Axelrod’s, we will modify our program to study other aspects of group theory as applied to social interaction. We will then apply the model to other areas of social science. Modeling ethnocentrism will provide a better understanding of the evolution of exclusive groups in geographical clusters.

Our group will construct an object-oriented model showing the evolution of ethnocentrism using C#. In addition, we will implement an agent-based model in Net Logo in order to confirm the results of our C# model. With these two models our group will enhance our confidence in our model of human social interactions.

©ˆHammond, Axlerod. The Evolution of Ethnocentrism.
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~axe/research/Hammond-Ax_Ethno.pdf

Mentor: Mark A. Smith

Team Members:

  Jeffrey Fenchel
  Amelia Clement
  Alexander Clement
  Gregory Fenchel
  Jayson Lynch

Sponsoring Teacher: Neil McBeth

Mail the entire Team