Simulating arcs and rings in gatherings

A theory of collective behavior must be able to account for simple and common collective phenomena such as arcs and rings. Using a computer simulator designed according to the principles of Perceptual Control Theory, based on a model how a human being, as a living control system, engages in movement alone and with others in temporary gatherings we produced a highly symmetrical ring that remotely corresponds to the non-simulated world because it is made up exclusively of individuals. When we simulated the pairs that compared to non-simulated gatherings, the outcome was an arc but was still unlike those we have observed in many temporary gatherings. When we introduced disturbances into the gatherings in the form of other simulated actors they more closely represented what we have observed in the non-simulated world of parks, plazas, states fairs and school yards as well as those at political, religious and rallies. We o!er several proposals for future research. ( 1999 Academic Press