Dynamic Networks and Distributed Problem-Solving
Dynamic Networks and Distributed Problem-Solving
The effect of dynamic networks on distributed problem-solving was examined using a multi-agent simulation environment. Synthetic agents were tasked with the problem of finding optimal solutions to a specific design problem, and they were allowed to communicate the results of their search efforts to other agents via a dynamically-evolving communication network structure. The growth of the network was determined by two parameters. One parameter determined the rate at which the network structure emerged, while the second determined the point at which the first network link was formed. Together, these parameters produced a reliable effect on collective problem-solving performance. Firstly, performance was negatively affected by the rate of network growth, with faster growth rates producing poorer performance. Secondly, performance was improved by introducing longer initial delay periods into the network formation process, a manipulation which also served to attenuate the decline in performance seen with increasing network growth rates. Of particular interest, the study found that networks with dynamic, constructive topologies delivered a better profile of performance relative to networks with fixed, static topologies. The results are discussed in relation to our understanding of how military coalition communication networks may affect performance outcomes in distributed problem-solving environments.
collective cognition, distributed cognition, social networks, network science, dynamic networks, collective problem solving, shared interpretation, shared understanding, trust, social influence, communication networks, military coalitions, mobile ad hoc networks, coalition communication networks
Smart, Paul R
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Huynh, Trung Dong
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Braines, Dave
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Shadbolt, Nigel
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21 September 2010
Smart, Paul R
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Huynh, Trung Dong
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Braines, Dave
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Shadbolt, Nigel
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Smart, Paul R, Huynh, Trung Dong, Braines, Dave and Shadbolt, Nigel
(2010)
Dynamic Networks and Distributed Problem-Solving.
Knowledge Systems for Coalition Operations (KSCO'10), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
21 - 23 Sep 2010.
Record type:
Conference or Workshop Item
(Paper)
Abstract
The effect of dynamic networks on distributed problem-solving was examined using a multi-agent simulation environment. Synthetic agents were tasked with the problem of finding optimal solutions to a specific design problem, and they were allowed to communicate the results of their search efforts to other agents via a dynamically-evolving communication network structure. The growth of the network was determined by two parameters. One parameter determined the rate at which the network structure emerged, while the second determined the point at which the first network link was formed. Together, these parameters produced a reliable effect on collective problem-solving performance. Firstly, performance was negatively affected by the rate of network growth, with faster growth rates producing poorer performance. Secondly, performance was improved by introducing longer initial delay periods into the network formation process, a manipulation which also served to attenuate the decline in performance seen with increasing network growth rates. Of particular interest, the study found that networks with dynamic, constructive topologies delivered a better profile of performance relative to networks with fixed, static topologies. The results are discussed in relation to our understanding of how military coalition communication networks may affect performance outcomes in distributed problem-solving environments.
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Dynamic_Networksv3.pdf
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Published date: 21 September 2010
Additional Information:
Event Dates: 21st - 23rd September 2010
Venue - Dates:
Knowledge Systems for Coalition Operations (KSCO'10), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 2010-09-21 - 2010-09-23
Keywords:
collective cognition, distributed cognition, social networks, network science, dynamic networks, collective problem solving, shared interpretation, shared understanding, trust, social influence, communication networks, military coalitions, mobile ad hoc networks, coalition communication networks
Organisations:
Web & Internet Science
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 271508
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/271508
PURE UUID: 71d1ad9b-8fd6-4fcd-b948-ced6f7d87b6f
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Date deposited: 02 Sep 2010 09:34
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 03:15
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Contributors
Author:
Paul R Smart
Author:
Trung Dong Huynh
Author:
Dave Braines
Author:
Nigel Shadbolt
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