Computer simulation of two-person interactions

Abstract

A general model of two-person interactions is presented and then a computer program to simulate interactions using this general model is described. The specific model developed emphasizes the emotional aspects of interpersonal behavior. It concentrates on roles, rather than goals or attitudes, as determinants for action. The personality theory developed by Leary is used as a basis for the specific model, but several modifications of this theory are made. Experiments with the simulation model involved the definition of hypothetical people whose interactions were simulated. In general, these simulated people developed into reciprocal role patterns similar to those predicted by Leary. Specific examples of simulated hypothetical people with psychiatric abnormalities are described. To indicate a way in which validation of the simulation could be done, real people were represented in the computer model and human judges then tried to distinguish a series of interactions generated by the computer model from a series generated by the people represented.