Agent-based+modeling

=Agent-based modeling=

//From wikipedia://

An **agent-based model (ABM)** (also sometimes related to the term ** [|multi-agent system] ** or **multi-agent simulation**) is a class of [|computational models] for [|simulating] the actions and interactions of autonomous agents (both individual or collective entities such as organizations or groups) with a view to assessing their effects on the system as a whole. It combines elements of [|game theory], [|complex systems] , [|emergence] , [|computational sociology] , [|multi-agent systems] , and [|evolutionary programming]. [|Monte Carlo Methods] are used to introduce randomness. ABMs are also called individual-based models. The models simulate the simultaneous operations and interactions of multiple agents, in an attempt to re-create and predict the appearance of complex phenomena. The process is one of [|emergence] from the lower (micro) level of systems to a higher (macro) level. As such, a key notion is that simple behavioral rules generate complex behavior. This principle, known as [|K.I.S.S.] ("Keep it simple and short") is extensively adopted in the modeling community. Another central tenet is that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Individual agents are typically characterized as boundedly rational, presumed to be acting in what they perceive as their own interests, such as reproduction, economic benefit, or social status, [|[1]] using heuristics or simple decision-making rules. ABM agents may experience "learning", adaptation, and reproduction. [|[2]] Most agent-based models are composed of: (1) numerous agents specified at various scales (typically referred to as agent-granularity); (2) decision-making heuristics; (3) learning rules or adaptive processes; (4) an interaction topology; and (5) a non-agent environment.

As my application with ABM's is primarily to represent the behavior of wildlife species, most of the content within this wiki will reflect that accordingly. However, some of the basic information can be useful for other applications as well.

=Related Topics=

agent development class in agent development (CS 699) netLogo

= Relevant Links =

openABM.org- includes a growing collection of tutorials on computational modeling, frequently asked questions about computational modeling, a modeling library intended to provide a locus for authors and modelers to share their models, and forums for modeling related discussion and job postings.