Automated recommendation software can be a very efficient technique to increase revenues and doubly so in the world of click-to-purchase materials and low thresholds for impulsive purchases. However, these algorithms can produce some hilarious results given enough interest. For example, after the jump, see Amazon’s current match for Axelrod’s The Complexity of Cooperation.
Michael A. Allen is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Boise State University. His research focuses on international conflict, military alliances, and quantitative methods in international relations and comparative politics.