The present model is an abstract ABM designed for theoretical exploration and hypotheses generation. Its main aim is to explore the conditions under which the influence of social incentives on belief formation originates bad polarization.

The model represents a community in which individuals aim to determine whether hypothesis H is true, and we assume that agents are in a world in which H is indeed true. To this end, scientists observe evidence. However, agents also distribute social support to other like-minded neighbors. As a consequence, agents may choose to ignore evidence in order to obtain the highest possible amount of social support. In this sense, agents’ beliefs are socially adaptive.