AN INTRODUCTION TO AGENT BASED MODELLING AND SIMULATION OF SOCIAL PROCESSES

Abstract

The paper provides an introduction to agent-based modelling and simulation of social processes. Reader is introduced to the worldview underlying agent-based models, some basic terminology, basic properties of agent-based models, as well as to what one can and what cannot expect from such models, particularly when they are applied to social-scientific investigation. Special attention is given to the issues of validation.

Keywords

• agent-based models
• social simulation
• complexity
• complex adaptive systems