While the number and variety of models to explain opinion exchange dynamics is huge, attempts to justify the model results using empirical data are relatively rare. As linking to real data is essential for establishing model credibility, this Letter develops a empirical confirmation experiment by which an opinion model is related to real election data. The model is based on a representation of opinions as a vector of $k$ bits. Individuals interact according to the principle that similarity leads to interaction and interaction leads to still more similarity. In the comparison to real data we concentrate on the transient opinion profiles that form during the dynamic process. An artificial election procedure is introduced which allows to relate transient opinion configurations to the electoral performance of candidates for which data is available. The election procedure based on the well--established principle of proximity voting is repeatedly performed during the transient period and remarkable statistical agreement with the empirical data is observed.
Probabilistic neighbors' selection competes with confirmation bias in a bounded confidence model
CNRS, Complex Systems Institute of Paris Île-de-France (ISC-PIF)（法国国家科学研究中心，巴黎法兰西岛复杂系统研究所）；Laboratoire de Physique Théorique et Modélisation, CNRS-CY Cergy Paris Université（理论与建模物理实验室，CNRS-CY塞尔吉巴黎大学）；EHESS, Centre d’Analyse et de Mathématique Sociales (CAMS)（高等社会科学学院，社会分析与数学中心）；Cergy Paris Université（塞尔吉巴黎大学）
