Agent Based Modelling and Simulation of Social Processes

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. Classification-ACM-1998: J.4 [Computer Applications]; Social and behavioral sciences - Sociologyagent-based models, social simulation, complexity, complex adaptive systems