山影研究室

Classical and introductory models: explanation and analysis

This method has not been used widely to date, but there exist some precursormodels which show the usefulness of this method in the second half of 20thcentury. Many of them are very interesting for social scientists today.These simple models show us counter-intuitive and exciting results andmany hints about the dynamism of social order. Explanation and analysisabout these classical models are available from below links.

Segeregation Models by T.Schelling > Under Construction
Prisoner's Dilenmma by R.Axelrod > Under Construction
Lifegame > Under Construction
Cultural Dissemination Model by R.Awelrod > Under Construction

What's multi-agent(agent-based) simulation [mas/abs] ?

Multi-agent simulation is a new research method to understand the mechanismand process behind various phenomena. We construct virtual actors and assignthem rules according to which they behave independently. The interactionamong them are calculated and represented in our personal computers. Wecan construct a model of small society where agents who have their ownbehavioral principles. Virtual animals that gather together, virtual citizenswho run away from a big fire in a building, or virtual nations who competein a international arena.

Multiple interactions sometimes create complex orders, even when the behavioralrules of agents are ridiculously simple. We can find many counter-intuitiveand hard-to-predict results in those virtual societies "in silico".Unexpected results teach us the mechanism and process hidden under complexphenomena.

This method is very promising for social scientists. Understanding socialphenomena means understanding the interaction among human beings and socialgroups. Now many researching groups give attention to this new approach.