This research is focused on the development of a computer assisted model to predict when and how people will cluster into groups and polarize. At issue is the question, under what conditions will people prove susceptible, or resistent, to the persuasive attempts of the majority or minority groups. The model developed in this proposal has shown that with only a small amount of information, changes in group attitude structure can be predicted with a high degree of accuracy. This research, if successful, will assist considerably in understanding the manner in which groups influence individuals, and also the manner in which individuals influence groups. These issues are fundamental to almost all of social psychology, and as such, the research promises to have a great impact throughout the field. This research promises to contribute to both theory and application in social research.
