Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Matthew effect.

This evening I read a literature overview by Duncan Watts of recent work on the analysis and modeling of networks and networked dynamic systems in mathematics, physics, sociology and computer science [1]. It briefly noted the Matthew effect; also know as the Yule process, the Gibrat principle, cumulative advantage, and, most recently, as the preferential attachment process. I like "Matthew effect" though, coming straight from the Bible which clearly explains the concept:

"For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away." (Matthew 25:29, New Revised Standard Version)

[1] Duncan J. Watts. 2004. The 'New' Science of Networks. Annual Review of Sociology, 30, pp. 243-70.

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