Tools and Techniques for Social Science Simulation

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-viii

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2. Simulations as Tools for Modelling and Theory Building

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1

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   2. Models, Processes and Algorithms: Towards A Simulation Toolkit

      • Nigel Gilbert

      Pages 3-16

   3. Questions in the Methodology of Artificial Societies

      • Jim Doran

      Pages 17-25

   4. Computer-Assisted Interfacing: On the Use of Computer Simulation for Theory Construction

      • Georg Müller

      Pages 26-47

   5. Interactive Neural Networks as Tools for Modeling Social Systems

      • Christina Stoica

      Pages 48-61

3. Multi-Agent Based Simulations

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 63-63

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   2. SMASS: A Sequential Multi-Agent System for Social Simulation

      • Wolfgang Balzer

      Pages 65-82

   3. PECS: A Reference Model for the Simulation of Multi-Agent Systems

      • Christoph Urban

      Pages 83-114

   4. Bedrock: Building Multi-Agent Simulation Applications

      • Matthew J. Rockloff

      Pages 115-130

   5. Diversity in Strategies of Partnership Formation

      • Rosaria Conte

      Pages 131-148

4. Game Theory and Cellular Automata

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 149-149

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   2. Cellular Automata as a Modelling Tool: Solidarity and Opinion Formation

      • Rainer Hegselmann, Andreas Flache, Volker Möller

      Pages 151-178

   3. Evolution of Learning Rules in Space

      • Oliver Kirchkamp

      Pages 179-195

   4. Maintaining Diversity: Simulating the Role of Nonlinearity and Discreteness in Dynamic Social Impact

      • Bibb Latané, Hiroaki Morio

      Pages 196-217

   5. Representation Methods and the Emergence of Inter-Group Cooperation

      • Ilan Fischer, Ramzi Suleiman

      Pages 218-239

5. Sensitivity Analysis

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 241-241

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   2. Sensitivity Analysis in the Social Sciences: Problems and Prospects

      • Edmund Chattoe, Nicole J. Saam, Michael Möhring

      Pages 243-273

   3. Tests of Dynamic Social Models with Time Related Surveys: an Experimental Approach

      • Christof Schatz

      Pages 274-301

   4. What Is the Use of Gossip? A Sensitivity Analysis of the Spreading of Respectful Reputation

      • Mario Paolucci, Mario Marsero, Rosaria Conte

      Pages 302-314

The use of computer simulations to study social phenomena has grown rapidly during the last few years. Many social scientists from the fields of economics, sociology, psychology and other disciplines now use computer simulations to study a wide range of social phenomena. The availability of powerful personal computers, the development of multidisciplinary approaches and the use of artificial intelligence models have all contributed to this development. The benefits of using computer simulations in the social sciences are obvious. This holds true for the use of simulations as tools for theory building and for its implementation as a tool for sensitivity analysis and parameter optimization in application-oriented models. In both, simulation provides powerful tools for the study of complex social systems, especially for dynamic and multi-agent social systems in which mathematical tractability is often impossible. The graphical display of simulation output renders it user friendly to many social scientists that lack sufficient familiarity with the language of mathematics. The present volume aims to contribute in four directions: (1) To examine theoretical and methodological issues related to the application of simulations in the social sciences. By this we wish to promote the objective of designing a unified, user-friendly, simulation toolkit which could be applied to diverse social problems. While no claim is made that this objective has been met, the theoretical issues treated in Part 1 of this volume are a contribution towards this objective.

• Nation
• Simulation
• Simulation in den Sozialwissenschaften
• Social Science Simulation
• algorithms
• computer simulation
• game theory
• model
• modeling

• Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel

  Ramzi Suleiman

• Institut für Sozialwissenschaftliche Informatik, University of Koblenz-Landau, Koblenz, Germany

  Klaus G. Troitzsch

• Centre for Research on Simulation in the Social Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK

  Nigel Gilbert

Policies and ethics