Opinion dynamics of rational agents

Social media and other online communities are a maelstrom of competing ideas, memes and opinions. As these communities become a more and more central part of our social and political lives, identifying how and why some ideas spread and some don’t is crucial to understanding how the online world influences what we believe, what we do and how we vote. <br /> <br /> Models of opinion dynamics typically treat the spread of ideas like an epidemic, with individuals becoming ‘infected’ with a certain opinion and then passing it on to others. Indeed, observing how beliefs and opinions spread on social media it can often seem as though people have little control over which beliefs they adopt, and which they pass on. However, people are not simply passive recipients and vectors for ideas; expressing themselves online is a decision, and one that they make so as to accomplish their goals, whether conscious or not.<br /> <br /> This is a mathematical programme of research that will be based on probability theory, especially Bayesian inference and optimisation. Stochastic processes, networks and game theory are also likely to be important. Applicants should be able to evidence a solid background in statistics and probability, and scientific programming. You will also engage with work from biology, psychology and sociology that provides a context for understanding human sociality, motivations and cognitive processes. <br />

<p>In this project you will develop models of opinion dynamics based on the idea that the expression of ideas, opinions and beliefs is a choice made by rational agents in pursuit of specific goals. You will join a research team focused on understanding the collective behaviour of humans and animals in terms of rational decision-making theory. This PhD project will extend on previous and ongoing work [1, 2] by considering:</p> <p>(i) The expression of an opinion as a decision. How does the expressed opinion relate to an agent’s true beliefs? What do people seek to accomplish by expressing it? What do we all want from our social media activity?</p> <p>(ii) What can we learn from social media and other online groups? What is the relationship between the truth and collective opinions online? How much should online opinion influence policy?</p> <p>(iii) How can problems with social media be tamed? Is there a role for ‘fact checking’? How can recommendation algorithms help or damage collective wisdom? Is more or less connectivity better for our online communities?</p> <p>This work is related to ongoing projects in the group: <a href="https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=MR%2FX036863%2F1">Collective behaviour of cognitive agents</a>; <a href="https://www.templetonworldcharity.org/projects-resources/project-database/20647">Rationality and reasoning beyond the individual</a></p> <p>References:</p> <ol type="1"> <li>RP Mann (2018) <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1811964115">Collective decision making by rational individuals</a>. <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></li> <li>RP Mann (2022)<a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/26339137221121347"> Collective decision-making under changing social environments among agents adapted to sparse connectivit</a>y. <em>Collective Intelligence.</em></li> </ol> <p> </p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Couse of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Statistics FT</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Opinion dynamics of rational agents</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4057/professor-richard-mann">Prof. Richard Mann</a> as your proposed supervisor. <em><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section that the funding you are applying for is School of Mathematics Studentship.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you submit your application with your supporting documents by the closing date of Friday 3 January 2025: </p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive School of Mathematics Studentship providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years. There are no additional allowances for travel, research expenses, conference attendance or any other costs.</p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For questions about the research project, please contact Professor Richard Mann by email to <a href="mailto:r.p.mann@leeds.ac.uk">r.p.mann@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>