Thomas Grebel, Andreas Pyka
Agent-based modelling - A methodology for the analysis of qualitative
development processes
Abstract:
The
tremendous development of an easy access to computational power within
the last
30 years has led to the widespread use of numerical approaches in
almost all
scientific disciplines. The first generation of simulation models was
rather
focused on stylized empirical phenomena. With agent-based modelling,
however,
the trade-off between simplicity in modelling and taking into account
the
complexity of the socio-economic reality has been enhanced to a large
extent.
This paper serves as a basic instruction on how to model qualitative
change
using an agent-based modelling procedure. The necessity to focus on
qualitative
change is discussed, agent-based modelling is explained and finally an
example
is given to show the basic simplicity in modelling.
JEL: B52, O30
Paper:
Paper available as pdf-file.
Beitrag Nr. 251, Volkswirtschaftliche Diskussionsreihe, Institut
für
Volkswirtschaftslehre der Universität Augsburg
Contact:
Thomas
Grebel, University of Augsburg, Department of Economics, Universitätsstr.
16, D-86135 Augsburg, Phone +49-821-598-4179; Fax +49-821-598-4229
E-Mail: thomas.grebel@wiwi.uni-augsburg.de
Andreas
Pyka, University of Augsburg, Department of Economics,
Universitätsstr. 16, D-86159 Augsburg, Phone +49-821-598-4179, Fax
+49-821-598-4229
v.
K., 30.10.2003