Agent-based modeling (ABM) is a technique increasingly used in a broad range of social sciences. It involves building a computational model consisting of “agents,” each of which represents an actor in the social world, and an "environment" in which the agents act. Agents are able to interact with each other and are programmed to be pro-active, autonomous and able to perceive their virtual world. The techniques of ABM are derived from artificial intelligence and computer science, but are now being developed independently in research centers throughout the world.

In Agent-Based Models, Nigel Gilbert reviews a range of examples of agent-based modeling, describes how to design and build your own models, and considers practical issues such as verification, validation, planning a modeling project, and how to structure a scholarly article reporting the results of agent-based modeling. It includes a glossary, an annotated list of resources, advice on which programming environment to use when creating agent-based models, and a worked, step-by-step example of the development of an ABM.

This latest volume in the SAGE Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences series will have wide appeal in the social sciences, including the disciplines of sociology, economics, social psychology, geography, economic history, science studies, and environmental studies. It is appropriate for graduate students, researchers and academics in these fields, for both those wanting to keep up with new developments in their fields and those who are considering using ABM for their research.

Key Features

• Aimed at readers who are new to ABM
• Offers a brief, but thorough, treatment of a cutting-edge technique
• Offers practical advice about how to design and create ABM
• Includes carefully chosen examples from different disciplines

"Agent-Based Models" is a great starting point for helping a computer scientist to collaborate with colleagues in the social or natural sciences where an agent-based model might be appropriate. Nigel Gilbert has written other books on the subject of agent-based modeling, but this small text is a great kick-start for understanding the kinds of questions you can ask (and data you can collect) from agent-based simulations of systems that interest you.

This short book is very useful if you are writing a paper on the results of an agent-based model. It outlines how your paper should be set up and discusses what details to include. Although it presents an overview of what is ABM, it will not teach you how to create an agent-based model. Nonetheless the student or researcher should find this book useful.