An Empirical Validation Protocol for Large-Scale Agent-Based Models

Dynamic agent composition for large-scale agent-based models

Purpose: This paper describes dynamic agent composition, used to support the development of flexible and extensible large-scale agent-based models (ABMs). This approach was motivated by a need to extend and modify, with ease, an ABM with an underlying networked structure as more information becomes available. Flexibility was also sought after so that simulations are set up with ease, without th...

Alternative Approaches to the Empirical Validation of Agent-Based Models

This paper draws on the metaphor of a spectrum of models ranging from the most theorydriven to the most evidence-driven. The issue of concern is the practice and criteria that will be appropriate to validation of different models. In order to address this concern, two modelling approaches are investigated in some detailed — one from each end of our metaphorical spectrum. Windrum et al. (2007) (...

Empirical Validation of Agent-Based Models: A Critical Survey

This paper addresses the problem of finding the appropriate method for conducting empirical validation in agent-based (AB) models, which is often regarded as the Achilles’ heel of the AB approach to economic modelling. The paper has two objectives. First, to identify key issues facing AB economists engaged in empirical validation. Second, to critically appraise the extent to which alternative a...

Empirical Validation of Agent-Based Models: Alternatives and Prospects

This paper addresses a set of methodological problems arising in the empirical validation of agent-based (AB) economics models and discusses how these are currently being tackled. These problems are generic for all those engaged in AB modelling, not just economists. The discussion is therefore of direct relevance to JASSS readers. The paper has two objectives. The first objective is the identif...

The Application of Multidimensional Rasch Models in Large Scale Assessment and Validation: An Empirical Example