Description
Agent-based simulation has become increasingly popular as a modeling approach in the social sciences because it enables researchers to build models where individual entities and their interactions are directly represented. The Second Edition of Nigel Gilbert′s Agent-Based Models introduces this technique; considers a range of methodological and theoretical issues; shows how to design an agent-based model, with a simple example; offers some practical advice about developing, verifying and validating agent-based models; and finally discusses how to plan an agent-based modelling project, publish the results and apply agent-based modeling to formulate and evaluate social and economic policies.
Table of Contents
Series Editor′s Introduction
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Chapter 1: The Idea of Agent-Based Modeling
1.1 Agent-Based Modeling
1.2 Some Examples
1.3 The Features of Agent-Based Modeling
1.4 Other Related Modeling Approaches
Chapter 2: Agents, Environments, and Timescales
2.1 Agents
2.2 Environments
2.3 Randomness
2.4 Time
2.5 Population Learning
Chapter 3: Designing an Agent-Based Model
3.1 Design Steps
3.2 An Example of Developing an Agent-Based Model
Chapter 4: Developing an Agent-Based Model
4.1 Modeling Toolkits, Libraries, Languages, Frameworks, and Environments
4.2 Using NetLogo to Build Models
4.3 Building the Collectivities Model Step by Step
4.4 Verification: Getting Rid of the Bugs
4.5 Validation
4.6 Techniques for Validation
Chapter 5: Using Agent-Based Models
5.1 Planning an Agent-Based Modeling Project
5.2 Reporting Agent-Based Model Research
5.3 Agent-Based Models for Public Policy
Resources
Societies and Associations
Journals
Mailing List and Web Sites
Glossary
References
Index
