Opinions on contested infrastructures over time: A longitudinal, empirically based simulation

Abstract

Using an agent-based model, we investigate the opinions of individuals on contested infrastructures over time. The model employs a psychological theory and a longitudinal study design. The longitudinal empirical data served as implementation and validation for the model. From the emerging results, we gained insights into the mechanisms of opinion adaptation; and discuss the relevance of opinion disaggregation, and the utilization of psychological theories and empirical data.