Looking into data that dates back to 44 years ago, the researchers found drivers who share a similar profile were more likely to crash into each other, as they have a high level of structural equivalence. (Image: Kobiz Media)
SEOUL, Apr. 20 (Korea Bizwire) — A new study has revealed people with similar social status are more likely to clash with each other.
A research team led by professor Lee Won-jae at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) discovered that people who are similar to each other have a tendency to compete with one another after studying accidents at Formula One races.
Looking into data that dates back to 44 years ago, the researchers found drivers who share a similar profile were more likely to crash into each other, as they have a high level of structural equivalence.
When competing with others, it was observed that F1 drivers did their best to beat similar competitors to get rid of the sense of ambiguity between them, the researchers explained.
A total of 506 crashes involving 355 drivers at 732 F1 races between 1970 and 2014 were analyzed as part of the study.
Previous studies on causes of argument heavily focused on a limited number of people and lab animals and have been approached from the perspective of neuroscience and biochemistry.
“As winners and runners-up often meet each other, you could think that’s why players of similar performance levels are neck and neck in races. But even after those scenarios are taken into consideration, our hypothesis has been proven true,” professor Lee said.
When asked about looking to F1 data to explain social phenomena, professor Lee said, “Our basic model (for the research) was to measure social relationships and structures. F1 data was fitting in that the performance of drivers, which is considered the dependent variable, is seen as objective.”
A new study has revealed people with similar social status are more likely to clash with each other. (Image: KAIST)
Findings from the joint research with professors from Germany, France and the U.S. have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Lee became the first South Korean sociology professor to have a thesis published in the PNAS, KAIST added.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
