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  • 2022
  • Working Paper

Shared Models in Networks, Organizations, and Groups

By: Joshua Schwartzstein and Adi Sunderam
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:59
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Abstract

To understand new information, we exchange models or interpretations with others. This paper provides a framework for thinking about such social exchanges of models. The key assumption is that people adopt the interpretation in their network that best explains the data, given their prior beliefs. An implication is that interpretations evolve within a network. For many network structures, social learning mutes reactions to data: the exchange of models leaves beliefs closer to priors than they were before. Our results shed light on why disagreements persist as new information arrives, as well as the goal and structure of meetings in organizations.

Keywords

Social Learning Theory; Theory; Social Issues; Cognition and Thinking; Social and Collaborative Networks; Attitudes

Citation

Schwartzstein, Joshua, and Adi Sunderam. "Shared Models in Networks, Organizations, and Groups." NBER Working Paper Series, No. 30642, November 2022.
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About The Authors

Joshua R. Schwartzstein

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
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Adi Sunderam

Finance
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