A new method for reaching equilibrium points in fuzzy cognitive maps

A new proposition for computing equilibrium values in FCMs is presented. The equilibrium values affect the decisions to be taken and therefore are of great importance. The proposed method takes into account the fact that in any complex dynamic system represented by an FCM, there exist activities that indirectly (through various paths) influence one another and this influence may not be only positive or only negative. By getting the "dominant" influences between nodes the proposed method suggest getting both positive and negative "dominant" influences and calculating the equilibrium values considering both of them. Applying this approach to a socio-medical problem, we observe that we reach different equilibrium states and consequently different decisions.