- [[Fisher's theorem]]
# Idea
We can use replicator dynamics models to study [[learning]] and [[evolution]]. Distributions exist and they change over time depending on their proportions and payoff ([[fitness]]).
These models tell us the relationship between copying what other agents are doing and doing whatever has the highest payoff.
It can explain the [[collective action problem]] (see [[Bradsher 2002 high and mighty]]), such as why people choose to drive SUVs instead of compacts.
## Basic setup
- set of types: $\{1,2,3,4,5,6,7, . . \mathrm{N}\}$
- payoff for (or fitness of) each type: $\pi(i)$
- proportion of each type: $P(i)$
A [[rational]] agent aims to maximize payoff. A rule-based agent might choose to copy the most common strategy.
$weight = \pi(i) \times P(i)$
## Replicator equation
${P}_{t+1}(i)=\frac{{P}_{t}(i) \pi(i)}{\sum_{j=1}^{N} {P}_{t}(j) \pi(j)}$
- ${P}_{t+1}(i)$: probability of playing strategy $i$ in time $t+1$
- ${P}_{t}(i) \pi(i)$: weight of strategy $i$ at time $t$
- $\sum_{j=1}^{N} {P}_{t}(j) \pi(j)$: sum of all different weights for all possible actions
# References
- https://www.coursera.org/learn/model-thinking/lecture/kTMre/replicator-dynamics
- https://www.coursera.org/learn/model-thinking/lecture/6Pey7/the-replicator-equation
- [[Bradsher 2002 high and mighty]]