Comparative analysis of agent-based social simulations:
GeoSim and FEARLUS models
In this paper we compare models of two different kinds
of processes in agent-based social simulations (ABSS), side-by-side, along
a number of key dimensions: military conflict within a states-system (GeoSim),and
land use and ownership change (FEARLUS). Although the two models explore
very different substantive domains ()warfare and landuse), we actually identify
a new class of ABSS models based on resource allocation processes occurring
on a 2-dimensional territorial space (the so-called "RAP2-class"). The existence
of the RAP2 class in turn suggests that ABBS researchers should look for
other members of this class (e.g., Ascape models?), because they share similar
properties or dynamics, similar to the GeoSim and FEARLUS models compared
in this study. This finding, in turn, suggests further investigations in
what may be called "comparative analysis" of ABSS.
Claudio Cioffi-Revilla
George Mason University
Center for Social Complexity
ccioffi@gmu.edu
Nick M. Gotts
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute
n.gotts@macaulay.ac.uk