Incoherence: A Generalized Measure of Complexity to Quantify Ensemble Divergence in Multi-Trial Experiments and Simulations
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Complex systems pose significant challenges to traditional scientific and statistical methods due to their inherent unpredictability and resistance to simplification. Accurately detecting complex behavior and the uncertainty which comes with it is therefore essential. Using the context of previous studies, we introduce a new information-theoretic measure, termed "incoherence". By using an adapted Jensen-Shannon Divergence across an ensemble of outcomes, we quantify the aleatoric uncertainty of the system. First we compared this measure to established statistical tests using both continuous and discrete data. Before demonstrating how incoherence can be applied to identify key characteristics of complex systems, including sensitivity to initial conditions, criticality, and response to perturbations.
Source: Entropy
DOI: 10.3390/e26080683
Author: Timothy Davey
Institution: The London Interdisciplinary School
Language: English
Topic: Complex Systems and Dynamics
Subfield: Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,955
OpenAlex ID: W4401544356