scholarly journals Response threshold variance as a basis of collective rationality

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 170097 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatsuhiro Yamamoto ◽  
Eisuke Hasegawa
Keyword(s):  
Decision Maker ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Swarm Robotics ◽  
Basic Mechanism ◽  
Optimal Choice ◽  
Collective Decision ◽  
Response Threshold ◽  
Collective Rationality ◽  
Graded Responses ◽  
Graded Response

Determining the optimal choice among multiple options is necessary in various situations, and the collective rationality of groups has recently become a major topic of interest. Social insects are thought to make such optimal choices by collecting individuals' responses relating to an option's value (=a quality-graded response). However, this behaviour cannot explain the collective rationality of brains because neurons can make only ‘yes/no’ responses on the basis of the response threshold. Here, we elucidate the basic mechanism underlying the collective rationality of such simple units and show that an ant species uses this mechanism. A larger number of units respond ‘yes’ to the best option available to a collective decision-maker using only the yes/no mechanism; thus, the best option is always selected by majority decision. Colonies of the ant Myrmica kotokui preferred the better option in a binary choice experiment. The preference of a colony was demonstrated by the workers, which exhibited variable thresholds between two options' qualities. Our results demonstrate how a collective decision-maker comprising simple yes/no judgement units achieves collective rationality without using quality-graded responses. This mechanism has broad applicability to collective decision-making in brain neurons, swarm robotics and human societies.

Agreement Algorithm Based on a Trial and Error Method for the Best of Proportions Problem

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 558-565
Author(s):  
Nhuhai Phung ◽  
◽  
Masao Kubo ◽  
Hiroshi Sato
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Swarm Robotics ◽  
Collective Decision ◽  
Response Threshold ◽  
Trial And Error ◽  
Decision Making Problem ◽  
Fixed Proportion ◽  
Trial And Error Method ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Error Method

The best-of-n problem (BSTn) is a collective decision-making problem in which a swarm of robots needs to make a collective decision about a set of n choices; specifically, to decide what choice offers the best alternative [1]. The BSTn captures the structure and logic of the discrete consensus achievement problems that appear in several swarm robotics scenarios. Although numerous algorithms have been proposed recently to deal with more than two choices, the number of choices that can be dealt with is not large. The bias and raising threshold (BRT) algorithm proposed by Phung et al. [2] enables swarms to deal with a large number of choices (n≫2). However, the algorithm’s goodness has not been evaluated in any practical problems, and it is necessary to evaluate the algorithm in a problem where a large number of choices exist. In this paper, we consider the best of proportions (BOP) problem; that is a version of BSTn in which a large number of choices can be dealt with by adjusting the values of different proportions. In previous research on swarms that needed to solve the BOP problem, there is only a study on the response threshold models for the division of labor. In the present study, we investigate a scenario of the BOP and apply the BRT algorithm to find the best proportion. In our previous work [3], a fixed proportion setting method has been adopted. Here, we adopt a stochastic proportion setting method to verify the relationship between the efficiency and the number of choices in a more general case. The results show that with a larger number of choices, the decision making becomes more efficient with high equality; that is a result that has not been found in [3].

scholarly journals A Multidimensional Item Response Theory Model for Continuous and Graded Responses With Error in Persons and Items

2021 ◽  
pp. 001316442199841
Author(s):  
Pere J. Ferrando ◽  
David Navarro-González
Keyword(s):  
Item Response Theory ◽  
Item Response ◽  
Theory Model ◽  
Response Model ◽  
Response Theory ◽  
Continuous Response ◽  
Graded Responses ◽  
Graded Response ◽  
Continuous Responses ◽  
Differential Measurement Error

Item response theory “dual” models (DMs) in which both items and individuals are viewed as sources of differential measurement error so far have been proposed only for unidimensional measures. This article proposes two multidimensional extensions of existing DMs: the M-DTCRM (dual Thurstonian continuous response model), intended for (approximately) continuous responses, and the M-DTGRM (dual Thurstonian graded response model), intended for ordered-categorical responses (including binary). A rationale for the extension to the multiple-content-dimensions case, which is based on the concept of the multidimensional location index, is first proposed and discussed. Then, the models are described using both the factor-analytic and the item response theory parameterizations. Procedures for (a) calibrating the items, (b) scoring individuals, (c) assessing model appropriateness, and (d) assessing measurement precision are finally discussed. The simulation results suggest that the proposal is quite feasible, and an illustrative example based on personality data is also provided. The proposals are submitted to be of particular interest for the case of multidimensional questionnaires in which the number of items per scale would not be enough for arriving at stable estimates if the existing unidimensional DMs were fitted on a separate-scale basis.

Experimental Analysis of Predecision Information Seeking

1969 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
John E. Swan
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Analysis ◽  
Consumer Choice ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Optimal Choice ◽  
Brand Information

A simulated consumer choice experiment showed that where the same brands appeared across a set of trials, prechoice information seeking declined as the subjects evidently learned to choose by brand. Information seeking was also lower for satisfactory, as compared with optimal, choice.

A Comparison of Graded Response and Rasch Partial Credit Models with Subjective Well-Being

2000 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
John G. Baker ◽  
James B. Rounds ◽  
Michael A. Zevon
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Item Parameter ◽  
Partial Credit Model ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Partial Credit ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Principle Components Analysis ◽  
Graded Responses ◽  
Graded Response ◽  
Multiple Category

Two multiple category item response theory models are compared using a data set of 52 mood terms with 713 subjects. Tellegen’s (1985) model of mood with two independent, unipolar dimensions of positive and negative affect provided a theoretical basis for the assumption of unidimensionality. Principle components analysis and item parameter tests supported the unidimensionality assumption. Comparative model data fit for the Samejima (1969) logistic model for graded responses and the Masters (1982) partial credit model favored the former model for this particular data set. Theoretical and practical aspects of the comparative application of multiple category models in the measurement of subjective well-being or mood are discussed.

scholarly journals Multiscale Modelling and Analysis of Collective Decision Making in Swarm Robotics

PLoS ONE ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e111542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Vigelius ◽  
Bernd Meyer ◽  
Geoffrey Pascoe
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Swarm Robotics ◽  
Multiscale Modelling ◽  
Collective Decision ◽  
Collective Decision Making

scholarly journals Public and decision-maker stated preferences for pharmaceutical subsidy decisions in Iran: an application of the discrete choice experiment

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gita Afsharmanesh ◽  
Farimah Rahimi ◽  
Leila Zarei ◽  
Farzad Peiravian ◽  
Gholamhossein Mehralian
Keyword(s):  
Decision Maker ◽  
Discrete Choice Experiment ◽  
Discrete Choice ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Health Gain ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Logit Analysis ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Decision ◽  
Severity Of The Disease

Abstract Background The argument about funding criteria poses challenges for health decision-makers in all countries. This study aimed to investigate the public and decision-maker preferences for pharmaceutical subsidy decisions in Iran. Methods A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was used for eliciting the preferences of the public and decision-makers. Four attributes including health gain after treatment, the severity of the disease, prevalence of the disease, and monthly out of pocket and relevant levels were designed in the form of hypothetical scenarios. The analysis was done by using conditional logit analysis. Results The results show all of four attributes are important for pharmaceutical subsidy decisions. But a medicine that improves health gain after treatment is more likely to be a choice in subsidy decisions (by relative importance of 28% for public and 42% for decision-makers). Out of pocket, severity, and prevalence of disease subsequently influence the preferences of the public and decision-makers, respectively. The greatest difference is observed in changing the health gain after treatment and out of pocket levels, between public and decision-makers. Conclusion This research reveals that the public is willing and able to provide preferences to inform policymakers for pharmaceutical decision-making; it also sets grounds for further studies.

Modeling Responses and Response Times in Rating Scales With the Linear Ballistic Accumulator

Methodology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 119-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jochen Ranger ◽  
Jörg-Tobias Kuhn
Keyword(s):  
Personality Assessment ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Latent Trait ◽  
Race Model ◽  
Likelihood Estimation ◽  
Response Threshold ◽  
Marginal Maximum Likelihood ◽  
Marginal Maximum Likelihood Estimation ◽  
Graded Response

Abstract. In this article, a new model is proposed for the responses and the response times in attitudinal or personality inventories with graded response format. The model is based on the lognormal race model ( Heathcote & Love, 2012 ) and assumes two accumulators that aggregate evidence in favor of and against the statement made by an item of an inventory. The accumulator that first reaches a response threshold determines the direction of the response (agreement/disagreement). The strength of the response, which is indicated by the choice of a graded response option, is a function of the difference between the two accumulators when responding. By relating the accumulators to latent traits, the model can be embedded into a latent trait model that accounts for individual differences. The model can be fit to data with marginal maximum likelihood estimation. A test of model fit is described, and it is shown how the model can be used for attitudinal and personality assessment. Finally, the application of the model is demonstrated with a real dataset.

Encoding of Compressive Stress During Indentation by Group III and IV Muscle Mechano-Nociceptors in Rat Gracilis Muscle

2003 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 785-792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiqing Ge ◽  
Partap S. Khalsa
Keyword(s):  
Compressive Stress ◽  
Neural Response ◽  
Muscle Afferents ◽  
Gracilis Muscle ◽  
Response Threshold ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Graded Response ◽  
Muscle Nerve ◽  
Study Support ◽  
Highly Correlated

The mechanical state encoded by group III and IV muscle afferents, putative mechano-nociceptors, during indentation was examined using an isolated muscle-nerve preparation in a rat model. Gracilis muscle and its intact innervation were surgically removed from the medial thigh of the rat hindlimb and placed in a dish containing rodent synthetic interstitial fluid. The tendons of the muscle were coupled to an apparatus that could stretch and apply compression to the muscle. Using a standard teased-nerve preparation, the neural responses of single mechanically sensitive group III or IV afferents were identified. Afferents were classified as mechano-nociceptors on the basis of their graded response to noxious levels of compressive stress (or strain) as well as, in some cases, their polymodal response to noxious thermal stimuli. Mechano-nociceptors ( n = 13) were stimulated using controlled compressive stress (10–30 kPa) or strain (40–80%) while simultaneously measuring displacement and force by compressing the muscle between a flat cylinder and a hard platform. Linear regression was used to evaluate the relationships between neural response and mechanical stress, force, strain, and displacement. The mean neural response (threshold: 1.1 ± 0.4 kPa; sensitivity: 0.5 ± 0.1 Hz/kPa; means ± SE) was significantly and substantially more highly correlated with compressive stress than force, strain, or displacement. The data from this study support the hypothesis that muscle nociceptors stimulated by indentation encode compressive stress rather than force, strain, or displacement.

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