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A systematic review of norm emergence in multi-agent systems

Carmengelys Cordova, Joaquin Taverner, Elena Del Val, Estefania Argente

TL;DR

The surveyed work addresses the problem of how norms emerge in normative multi-agent systems (NMAS) by synthesizing theories from human societies and NMAS literature through a PRISMA-based review. It analyzes normative approaches (prescriptive, emergent, hybrid), norm representations (explicit vs implicit), and the life cycle of norms, focusing on factors that drive emergence, diffusion, and internalization. Key findings show that network topology, propagation mechanisms, cognitive abilities, emotions, and values critically shape normative dynamics, with emotions and values playing notable roles in cohesion and adaptation. The review highlights opportunities to integrate emotional and ethical dynamics and to develop hybrid, dynamic normative frameworks that balance coherence with adaptability for real-world, multicultural deployments.

Abstract

Multi-agent systems (MAS) have gained relevance in the field of artificial intelligence by offering tools for modelling complex environments where autonomous agents interact to achieve common or individual goals. In these systems, norms emerge as a fundamental component to regulate the behaviour of agents, promoting cooperation, coordination and conflict resolution. This article presents a systematic review, following the PRISMA method, on the emergence of norms in MAS, exploring the main mechanisms and factors that influence this process. Sociological, structural, emotional and cognitive aspects that facilitate the creation, propagation and reinforcement of norms are addressed. The findings highlight the crucial role of social network topology, as well as the importance of emotions and shared values in the adoption and maintenance of norms. Furthermore, opportunities are identified for future research that more explicitly integrates emotional and ethical dynamics in the design of adaptive normative systems. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on norm emergence in MAS, serving as a basis for advancing the development of more efficient and flexible systems in artificial and real-world contexts.

A systematic review of norm emergence in multi-agent systems

TL;DR

The surveyed work addresses the problem of how norms emerge in normative multi-agent systems (NMAS) by synthesizing theories from human societies and NMAS literature through a PRISMA-based review. It analyzes normative approaches (prescriptive, emergent, hybrid), norm representations (explicit vs implicit), and the life cycle of norms, focusing on factors that drive emergence, diffusion, and internalization. Key findings show that network topology, propagation mechanisms, cognitive abilities, emotions, and values critically shape normative dynamics, with emotions and values playing notable roles in cohesion and adaptation. The review highlights opportunities to integrate emotional and ethical dynamics and to develop hybrid, dynamic normative frameworks that balance coherence with adaptability for real-world, multicultural deployments.

Abstract

Multi-agent systems (MAS) have gained relevance in the field of artificial intelligence by offering tools for modelling complex environments where autonomous agents interact to achieve common or individual goals. In these systems, norms emerge as a fundamental component to regulate the behaviour of agents, promoting cooperation, coordination and conflict resolution. This article presents a systematic review, following the PRISMA method, on the emergence of norms in MAS, exploring the main mechanisms and factors that influence this process. Sociological, structural, emotional and cognitive aspects that facilitate the creation, propagation and reinforcement of norms are addressed. The findings highlight the crucial role of social network topology, as well as the importance of emotions and shared values in the adoption and maintenance of norms. Furthermore, opportunities are identified for future research that more explicitly integrates emotional and ethical dynamics in the design of adaptive normative systems. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on norm emergence in MAS, serving as a basis for advancing the development of more efficient and flexible systems in artificial and real-world contexts.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 27 sections, 1 equation, 4 figures, 13 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Theoretical Background in Human Societies
  3. Normative approaches
  4. Norm typology
  5. Life cycle of a social norm
  6. Factors influencing the emergence of social norms
  7. Social typology
  8. Social propagation mechanisms
  9. Cognitive abilities
  10. Emotions
  11. Values
  12. Normative Multi-agent Systems
  13. Previous surveys
  14. Systematic review
  15. Approaches to norms in MAS
  16. ...and 12 more sections

Figures (4)

  • Figure 1: Categorisation of norms.
  • Figure 2: Factors influencing the social emergence of a norm.
  • Figure 3: Prisma flowchart.
  • Figure 4: Categorización de las normas en MAS