Synopses & Reviews
This book provides an overview of soical science simulation as a tool for modelling and theory building. It is shown how simulation may be applied to the analysis of social and economic problems using techniques such as multi-agent simulation, cellular automata and multi-level modelling. Particular attention is paid to the sensitivity analysis of model parameters. The book also describes the architecture and user interfaces of several simulation tools. The book is based on an international conference that brought together social scientists and computer scientists engaged in a wide range of simulation approaches. It represents a report on the state of the art in social science simulation.
Table of Contents
Simulations as Tools for Modeling and Theory Building:
N. Gilbert: Models, Processes and Algorithms: Towards a Simulation Toolkit.-
J. Doran: Questions in the Methodology of Artificial Societies.-
G. Müller: Computer Assisted Interfacing: On the Use of Computer Simulation for Theory Construction.-
C. Stoica: Interactive Neural Networks as Tools for Modeling Social Systems.-
Multi-Agent Based Simulations:
W. Balzer: SMASS: A Serial Multi-Agent System for Social Simulation.-
C. Urban: PECS: A Reference Model for the Simulation of Multi-Agent Systems.-
M. Rockloff: Building Multi-Agent Simulation Applications.-
R. Conte: Diversity in Strategies of Partnership Formation.-
Game Theory and Cellular Automata:
R. Hegselmann, A. Flache, V. Möller: Cellular Automata Models of Solidarity and Opinion Formation: Sensitivity Analysis.-
O. Kirchkamp: Evolution of Learning Rules in Space.-
B. Latané: Simulating the Role of Nonlinearity and Discreteness in Dynamic Social Impact.-
I. Fischer, R. Suleiman: The Emergence of Mutual Cooperation in a Simulated Inter-Group Conflict.-
Sensitivity Analysis:
E. Chattoe, N. Saam, M. Möhring: Sensitivity Analysis in the Social Sciences.-
C. Schatz: Tests of Dynamic Social Models with Time Related Surveys: an Experimental Approach.-
M. Paolucci, M. Marsero, R. Comte: What is the Use of Gossip? A Sensitivity Analysis of the Spreading of Respectful Reputation.-
Applications:
K.H. Brassel, O. Edenhofer, M. Möhring, K.G. Troitzsch: Economic Development, Opinion Formation, and Technological Change in a Multilevel Simulation Model.-
P. Kokic, R. Chambers, S. Beare: Microsimulating Farm Business Performance.-
J. Klüver, J. Schmidt, R. Kier: Ordering Parameters in the Rule Space of Social Systems: Searching for a Universal Grammar of Social Actions.