Session 3 - Agent-based social simulation reading group

This month’s reading takes us down a familiar path of how to communicate ABMs to the public and peers. We consider a manuscript that reflects many researchers’ experience in trying to publish ABMs in applied domains. We look forward to seeing you there and hearing about your own experiences after reflecting upon the paper.

Title:

Communicating Social Simulation Models to Sceptical Minds

Reference:

https://jasss.soc.surrey.ac.uk/16/4/13.html

Abstract:

When talking to fellow modellers about the feedback we get on our simulation models the conversation quickly shifts to anecdotes of rejective scepticism. Many of us experience that they get only few remarks, and especially only little helpful constructive feedback on their simulation models. In this forum paper, we give an overview and reflections on the most common criticisms experienced by ABM modellers. Our goal is to start a discussion on how to respond to criticism, and particularly rejective scepticism, in a way that makes it help to improve our models and consequently also increase acceptance and impact of our work. We proceed by identifying common criticism on agent-based modelling and social simulation methods and show where it shifts to rejection. In the second part, we reflect on the reasons for rejecting the agent-based approach, which we mainly locate in a lack of understanding on the one hand, and academic territorialism on the other hand. Finally, we also give our personal advice to socsim modellers of how to deal with both forms of rejective criticism.

A reminder:

As part of this series, we will also have a ‘live’ model running each session to interact with. This will give all participants opportunity to have a more hands-on experience in the sessions as well as look at platforms and coding standards over time.

This in person session will be held on Level 5, Room 5206, Steve Howard Room, Melbourne Connect.

We look forward to seeing you there!

If you would like to receive information from this Reading Group directly, please sign up to the dedicated email group. We are aware there are issues with signing up (we're working on this) - if you get blocked, please email mcds@unimelb.edu.au