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Agent-Based Models in Empirical Social Research

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  • Elizabeth Bruch
  • Jon Atwell

Abstract

Agent-based modeling has become increasingly popular in recent years, but there is still no codified set of recommendations or practices for how to use these models within a program of empirical research. This article provides ideas and practical guidelines drawn from sociology, biology, computer science, epidemiology, and statistics. We first discuss the motivations for using agent-based models in both basic science and policy-oriented social research. Next, we provide an overview of methods and strategies for incorporating data on behavior and populations into agent-based models, and review techniques for validating and testing the sensitivity of agent-based models. We close with suggested directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth Bruch & Jon Atwell, 2015. "Agent-Based Models in Empirical Social Research," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 44(2), pages 186-221, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:somere:v:44:y:2015:i:2:p:186-221
    DOI: 10.1177/0049124113506405
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Auke Hoekstra & Maarten Steinbuch & Geert Verbong, 2017. "Creating Agent-Based Energy Transition Management Models That Can Uncover Profitable Pathways to Climate Change Mitigation," Complexity, Hindawi, vol. 2017, pages 1-23, December.
    2. Marc Keuschnigg & Niclas Lovsjö & Peter Hedström, 2018. "Analytical sociology and computational social science," Journal of Computational Social Science, Springer, vol. 1(1), pages 3-14, January.
    3. Matt Kasman & Brynle Owen & Joshua Hayward, 2017. "A Community-based Complex Systems Approach to High School Completion," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(3), pages 267-276, May.
    4. Huber, Robert & Bakker, Martha & Balmann, Alfons & Berger, Thomas & Bithell, Mike & Brown, Calum & Grêt-Regamey, Adrienne & Xiong, Hang & Le, Quang Bao & Mack, Gabriele & Meyfroidt, Patrick & Millingt, 2018. "Representation of decision-making in European agricultural agent-based models," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 167(C), pages 143-160.

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