How to build and use agent-based models in social science Export

@article{citeulike:1339060, abstract = {Abstract\ \ The use of computer simulation for building theoretical models in social science is introduced. It is proposed that agent-based models have potential as a ” third way” of carrying out social science, in addition to argumentation and formalisation. With computer simulations, in contrast to other methods, it is possible to formalise complex theories about processes, carry out experiments and observe the occurrence of emergence. Some suggestions are offered about techniques for building agent-based models and for debugging them. A scheme for structuring a simulation program into agents, the environment and other parts for modifying and observing the agents is described. The article concludes with some references to modelling tools helpful for building computer simulations.}, author = {Gilbert, Nigel and Terna, Pietro}, citeulike-article-id = {1339060}, citeulike-linkout-0 = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02512229}, citeulike-linkout-1 = {http://www.springerlink.com/content/8878861366x5q522}, day = {1}, doi = {10.1007/BF02512229}, journal = {Mind \& Society}, keywords = {mas, tools}, month = {March}, number = {1}, pages = {57--72}, posted-at = {2007-05-28 19:05:47}, priority = {5}, title = {How to build and use agent-based models in social science}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02512229}, volume = {1}, year = {2000} }

TY - JOUR ID - citeulike:1339060 L3 - citeulike-article-id:1339060 N2 - Abstract  The use of computer simulation for building theoretical models in social science is introduced. It is proposed that agent-based models have potential as a “third way” of carrying out social science, in addition to argumentation and formalisation. With computer simulations, in contrast to other methods, it is possible to formalise complex theories about processes, carry out experiments and observe the occurrence of emergence. Some suggestions are offered about techniques for building agent-based models and for debugging them. A scheme for structuring a simulation program into agents, the environment and other parts for modifying and observing the agents is described. The article concludes with some references to modelling tools helpful for building computer simulations. IS - 1 JF - Mind & Society EP - 72 TI - How to build and use agent-based models in social science VL - 1 SP - 57 KW - mas KW - tools AU - Gilbert, Nigel AU - Terna, Pietro PY - 2000/03/01/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02512229 ER -