The Maki-Thompson rumour model: a detailed analysis

Abstract

The general solution for stochastic rumour models has recently been derived by Pearce (Math. Comput. Modelling. (2000)) for both the Daley-Kendall and Maki-Thompson cases. This paper concentrates on the simpler Maki-Thompson model, which presents some particular problems of its own. A general solution is set out, and illustrated by an example starting with 1 spreader and 2 ignorants; in this case, the probabilities of 2, 1 and 0 surviving ignorants are 0, 1/4 and 3/4 respectively. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. Show more