2nd Edition
by Steven F. Railsback (Author), Volker Grimm (Author)
The essential textbook on agent-based modeling―now fully updated and expanded
Agent-Based and Individual-Based Modeling
has become the standard textbook on the subject for classroom use and
self-instruction. Drawing on the latest version of NetLogo and fully
updated with new examples, exercises, and an enhanced text for easier
comprehension, this is the essential resource for anyone seeking to
understand how the dynamics of biological, social, and other complex
systems arise from the characteristics of the agents that make up these
systems.
Steven Railsback and Volker Grimm lead students stepwise
through the processes of designing, programming, documenting, and doing
scientific research with agent-based models, focusing on the adaptive
behaviors that make these models necessary. They cover the fundamentals
of modeling and model analysis, introduce key modeling concepts, and
demonstrate how to implement them using NetLogo. They also address
pattern-oriented modeling, an invaluable strategy for modeling
real-world problems and developing theory.
This accessible and
authoritative book focuses on modeling as a tool for understanding real
complex systems. It explains how to pose a specific question, use
observations from actual systems to design models, write and test
software, and more.
- A hands-on introduction that guides students from conceptual design to computer implementation to analysis
- Filled with new examples and exercises and compatible with the latest version of NetLogo
- Ideal for students and researchers across the natural and social sciences
- Written by two leading practitioners