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Advancing the art of simulation in the social sciences (1997)

Abstract
Advancing the Art Simulation the Social Sciences Obtaining analyzing and sharing results computer models INTRODUCTION imulation young and rapidly growing field the social sciences most young fields its promise greater than its accomplishments The purpose this article suggest what needed for the field become mature that its potential contribution the social sciences can realized The next section discusses the variety purposes that simulation can serve emphasizing the discovery new principles and relationships Advice then offered for how perform research with simulation Topics include programming simulation model analyzing the results and sharing the results Next the frequently neglected topic replication considered with detailed descriptions two replication projects The final section suggests how advance the art simulation building community social scientists and others who use computer simulation their research ROBERT AXELROD THE VALUE SIMULATION Let begin with definition simulation Simulation means driving model system with suitable inputs and observing the corresponding outputs While this definition useful does not suggest the diverse purposes for which simulation can used These purposes include prediction performance training entertainment education proof and discovery Prediction Simulation able take complicated inputs process them accounting for hypothesized mechanisms and then generate their consequences predictions For example the goal predict interest rates the economy. Peer Reviewed. http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/35199/1/4_ftp.pdf

Publication details
Download , http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/35199
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-0526(199711/12)3:2<16::AID-CPLX4>3.0.CO;2-K
Publisher John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Contributors University of Michigan ; University of Michigan
Repository University of Michigan (United States)
Keywords Mathematics and Statistics, Science (General), Science
Language English

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