A Common Protocol for Agent-Based Social Simulation

Roberto Leombruni, Matteo Richiardi, Nicole J. Saam and Michele Sonnessa

No 47, LABORatorio R. Revelli Working Papers Series from LABORatorio R. Revelli, Centre for Employment Studies

Abstract: Traditional (i.e. analytical) modelling practices in the social sciences rely on a very well established, although implicit, methodological protocol, both with respect to the way models are presented and to the kinds of analysis that are performed. Unfortunately, computer-simulated models often lack such a reference to an accepted methodological standard. This is one of the main reasons for the scepticism among mainstream social scientists that results in low acceptance of papers with agent-based methodology in the top journals. We identify some methodological pitfalls that, according to us, are common in papers employing agent-based simulations, and propose appropriate solutions. We discuss each issue with reference to a general characterization of dynamic micro models, which encompasses both analytical and simulation models. In the way, we also clarify some confusing terminology. We then propose a three-stage process that could lead to the establishment of methodological standards in social and economic simulations.

Keywords: Agent-based; simulations; methodology; calibration; validation. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 26 pages
Date: 2005
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (23)

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Journal Article: A Common Protocol for Agent-Based Social Simulation (2006)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cca:wplabo:47

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