Sheep In Human Clothing: Scientists Reveal Our Flock Mentality
Baah, humbug.
Have you ever arrived somewhere and wondered how you
got there? Scientists at the University of Leeds believe they may have found the
answer, with research that shows that humans flock like sheep and birds,
subconsciously following a minority of
individuals.
Results from a study at the University of Leeds show that it takes a minority of just five per cent to influence a crowd’s direction – and that the other 95 per cent follow without realising it.
“There are many situations where this information could be used to good effect,” says Professor Jens Krause of the University’s Faculty of Biological Sciences. “At one extreme, it could be used to inform emergency planning strategies and at the other, it could be useful in organising pedestrian flow in busy areas.”
Or we can just continue to use it to shape elections.
Results from a study at the University of Leeds show that it takes a minority of just five per cent to influence a crowd’s direction – and that the other 95 per cent follow without realising it.
“There are many situations where this information could be used to good effect,” says Professor Jens Krause of the University’s Faculty of Biological Sciences. “At one extreme, it could be used to inform emergency planning strategies and at the other, it could be useful in organising pedestrian flow in busy areas.”
Or we can just continue to use it to shape elections.
Posted: Mon - February 18, 2008 at 07:21 AM