Boolean network
Definition
Boolean network is a dynamical systems method that models temporal changes in group members' behavior by using Boolean functions (AND, OR, NOT) to represent how individual behavior at time t influences behavior at time t + 1, enabling identification of both assimilative and repulsive social influence processes within groups. Boolean networks accommodate the simultaneous manifestation of both types of social influence within the same group by inferring dyad-level social influence from temporal relations in behavioral time series. The method applies control theory principles to design network-based intervention strategies that can direct groups toward desired behavioral states.
Sources: Yang et al. (2024)
Related Terms
Applications
Boolean Network and Social Influence
Boolean networks model how social influence—both assimilative (when individuals conform to peers' behavior) and repulsive (when individuals act differently from peers)—drives temporal changes in group members' behavior. By examining temporal relations between dyads' behavior across time, Boolean networks infer whether social influence is assimilative or repulsive, enabling researchers to understand the simultaneous operation of both influence types within a single group.
Sources: Yang et al. (2024)
Boolean Network and Group Management
Boolean networks provide a framework for designing control strategies that can manage group behavior toward desired outcomes by identifying which group members or patterns require intervention. Boolean network-derived strategies can be applied to steer groups toward desired behavioral states.
Sources: Yang et al. (2024)
