CS 180 by Webber Course Home Page

CS 180b: Computational Tools for Modelling Social Phenomena

CS 2080b: Computational Tools for Modelling Social Phenomena (under the pointless new numbering scheme)

Winter 2011's online material

Course Announcements Page
Course Outline
NetLogo Home Page
- NetLogo User Manual (web version)
- NetLogo for building prototype multiagent systems by Jose M. Vidal (2007) [27 slide/page pdf file giving quick intro to NetLogo -- see also his collection of example multiagent NetLogo models]

Winter 2010's online material

Course Outline
Course Announcements
NetLogo Home Page
- NetLogo User Manual (web version)
- NetLogo for building prototype multiagent systems by Jose M. Vidal (2007) [27 slide/page pdf file giving quick intro to NetLogo -- see also his collection of example multiagent NetLogo models]
- NetLogo: A simple environment for modeling complexity by Seth Tisue and Uri Wilensky (2004) [10 page system overview]
- NetLogo: Design and Implementation of a multi-agent modeling environment by Seth Tisue and Uri Wilensky (2004) [17 page implementation document]
- Net Logo: where we are, where we're going Paulo Blikstein, Dor Abrahamson, and Uri Wilensky (2005) [2 page paper system overview update]
- Survival of the Groupiest: Facilitating Students' Understanding of the Multiple Levels of Fitness through Multi-Agent Modeling -- The EACH Project by Damon Centola, Eamon Mckenzie, Uri Wilensky (2000) [paper on using StarLogoT and NetLogo to investigate the Evolution of Altruistic and Cooperative Habits (EACH)]
- Breeding faster turtles: progress towards a NetLogo compiler by F. Sondahl, S. Tisue, U. Wilensky (2006) [12 page paper discussing work done to make the NetLogo system run faster.]
- NetLogo discussion group

Sources for Material on Agent-Based Modelling of Social Phenomena

General Resources
Introductions
- Beyond the centralized mindset--explorations in massively-parallel microworlds (Mitchel Resnick's 1992 PhD Thesis at MIT where he presented StarLogo)
- Beyond SimCity: Agent-Based Computer Models Revolutionize Social Science Research (article from The Mason Gazette -- George Mason University)
- On-Line Guide for Newcomers to Agent-Based Modeling in the Social Sciences by Robert Axelrod and Leigh Tesfatsion
- How to build and use agent-based models in social science by Nigel Gilbert and Pietro Terna
- Introduction to Agent-based Modeling and Simulation slides (PDF) by Charles M. Macal and Michael J. North
- Tutorial on agent-based modeling and simulation part 2: how to model with agents by Charles M. Macal and Michael J. North
- Application of Agent Technology to Traffic Simulation by Erol Kutluhan, Renato Levy, and James Wentworth (Federal Highway Administration)
Examples of Social Science Researchers using/discussing NetLogo
- Agent-Based Modeling: A New Approach for Theory Building in Social Psychology from: Personality and Social Psychology Review Volume: 11, Issue: 1, February 2007, pp. 1 - 18; Smith, Eliot R.; Conrey, Frederica R.
- Algorithms for Distributed Winner Determination in Combinatorial Auctions by Muralidhar V. Narumanchi and Jos' M. Vidal [14 pages using NetLogo and Social Network Exchange Theory]
- Piaget? Vygotsky? I'm Game!: agent-based modeling for psychology research by Dor Abrahamson and Uri Wilensky (2005) [49 page paper (figures at end) on using NetLogo to model different learning theories. Extended NetLogo programming discussion.]
- Verificatication and and valiidation through replication: a case study using Axe xelrod and Hammond's ethnoceentrism model by William Rand and Uri Wilensky (2006) [6 page paper discussing some of the difficulties of taking a published agent-based model and re-implementing it in NetLogo with regards to figuring out the details of the published model.]
- Full-Spectrum Modeling: From Simplicity to Elaboration and Realism in Urban Pattern Formation by W. Rand and U. Wilensky (2007) [10 page paper on modelling urban pattern formation (work done in NetLogo)]
- Coevolution of Predators and Prey in a Spatial Model by J. Ottino-Loffler, W. Rand, and U. Wilensky (2007). [6 page paper on using NetLogo to model predator/prey situations]
- Use of NetLogo as a rapid prototyping tool for the creation of more rigorous spatially explicit individual-based biological models by Jen Schellinck and Tony White (Carleton University) (2004)
- My way or the highway: a more naturalistic model of altruism tested in an Iterative Prisoners' Dilemma by David Joyce, John Kennison, Owen Densmore, Steven Guerin, Shawn Barr, Eric Charles and Nicholas S. Thompson (2006) [modelling was ported to NetLogo for increased availability of results]
- How can Netlogo be used in the landscape architectural design process? by Rod Barnett (2007) [85 page master's thesis on using NetLogo for urban planning and interacting with GIS systems]
- On the Suitability of NetLogo for the Modeling of Civilian Assistance and Guerrilla Warfare by Scott Wheeler (2005)
- Marine corps applicatons of data farming by Adam J. Forsyth,Gary E. Home, and Stephen C. Upton (2005) [5 page paper on simulating in NetLogo interactions between coalition forces and civilians]
- Software review: NetLogo, a multiagent simulation environment by Elizabeth Sklar (2007) [10 pages] [24 pages]
- A replication and extension of Goldenberg, Libai & Muller: A complex systems look at the underlying process of word-of-mouth study by Hume Winzar (2007) [7 pages, done in NetLogo]
- Generating fraud: agent based financial network modeling by Matthew Koehler, Brian Tivnan, and Eric Bloedorn (2005) [5 pages NetLogo based models to investigate crime (such as tax evasion) in datasets of tax records, bank records, etc. Want to create a model that is realistic enough to be useful to researchers without having to give access to confidential financial data.]
- A NetLogo Model for the Study of the Evolution of Cooperation in Social Networks by Gregory Todd Jones [6 pages on investigating the evolution of social structures in NetLogo]
- Simulation of the Dissemination of Slums in Cities through Reactive Agents by J. Coimbra Diuana, O. L. Monteiro de Farias, and O. Bernardo Filho (2006) [5 pages using NetLogo]
- Emotional agents: A modeling and an application by Khulood Abu Mariaa and Raed Abu Zita (2005) [using NetLogo to simulate the `Orphanage Care Problem'.]
- Modeling Crowd Behavior Based on Social Comparison Theory by Natalie Fridman and Gal Kaminka (2006) [5 pages using NetLogo]
- The evolution of optimism: a multi-agent based model of adaptive bias in human judgement by Dylan Evans, Annerieke Heuvelink, and Daniel Nettle [6 pages using NetLogo]
- My kingdom for a function: modeling misadventures of the innumerate by Michael Agar (2003) [discussion of problems in translating ethnographic conclusions into NetLogo simulations]
- A simple model for the diffusion of ideas by Luis E. Da Costa and Dalia Terhesiu (2005) [13 pages using NetLogo to explore how ideas spread in social networks]
- Agent based simulation to measure the fairness of user-pays air traffic management charging methodologies by Ralf Dominick (2007) [7 pages using NetLogo]
- Modelling primate social order: ultimate and proximate explanations by Hagen Lehmann and Joanna J. Bryson (2007) [10 pages using NetLogo]
- Risk discovery based on recommendation flow analysis on social networks by Jason J. Jung and Geun-Sik Jo (2007) [10 pages using NetLogo]
- The emergence of differ differentiating signals within groups by Edward Augenblick, Annerieke Heuvelink, Radu Iovita, and Graham Ritchie (2005) [13 pages using NetLogo]
Journals and Conferences
- JASSS Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation
- Computational Economics (Scholar's Portal Link)
- Computational & Mathematical Organization Theory (SpringerLink)
Related Web Sites
- European Social Simulation Association
- North American Computational Social and Organization Sciences
- Agent-Based Computational Economics by Leigh Tesfatsion (Iowa State University)
- Human Complex Systems program at UCLA
- Center for Social Complexity (George Mason University)
- The Center for Policy Modelling
- Center for Computational Analysis of Social and Organizational Systems (CASOS) at CMU
- News and discussion about computer simulation in the social sciences
- Center for the Study of Comlex Systems (University of Michigan)
- Geosimulation Labs (as referenced in discussion of modelling urban panic
- Center for Connected Learning (the NetLogo people)
Wikipedia Entries of Note
General Readings
- Engines for Education by Roger Schank (hyperbook)
- Idling: Why It Is So Important Not To Be Busy All The Time by Mortimer J. Adler (1902 - 1976)
- How to Keep Awake While Reading by Mortimer J. Adler (1902 - 1976)
- Models of my life autobiography of Herbert A. Simon (1916 - 2001) [Weldon Card Catalog Entry]
- Herbert A. Simon : the bounds of reason in modern America by Hunter Crowther-Heyck [Weldon Card Catalog Entry]
- Complete Works of Charles Darwin online
Other papers related to our studies
- investigating Edmond's methodology
  - Understanding MABS and Social Simulation: Switching Between Languages in a Hierarchy of Levels by Oswaldo Ter'an
  - Models, Abstractions and Phases in Multi-Agent Based Simulation by ML Federici
  - Rigour and reliability in agent-based social simulation through replication by Jos? M. Gal?n1, Thomas E. Downing2, Adolfo L?pez-Paredes1, Cindy Warwick2,
- scholar google search for article A cognitive model of crowd behavior
- page on the BEAGLE project at NorthWestern Center for Connected Learning and Computer-Based Modelling
- UWO Card Catalog Entry for Journal of Conflict Resolution (Axelrod papers from 1980, `Effective Choice in the Prisoner's Dilemma' and `More Effective Choice in the Prisoner's Dilemma' online here)
- scholar google search for Axelrod's The dissemination of culture: a model with local convergence and global polarization
- scholar google search for Axelrod et al's Aligning simulation models: a case study and results
- Edmond's Model-to-Model Analysis discusses works on re-implemented reported models
- google scholar search for Inductive Reasoning and Bounded Rationality (The El Farol Problem)
- google scholar search for Inductive Reasoning and Bounded Rationality Reconsidered
- wikipedia entry on El Farol Bar problem
- Club of Rome (1972 environment model)
- Future Studies (trying to figure out what the future holds)
- WIRED Blog Network: LimeWire Creator Brings Open-Source Approach to Urban Planning
- Some recent JASSS articles worth considering
  - Exploring Agent-Based Methods for the Analysis of Payment Systems: A Crisis Model for StarLogo TNG by Luca Arciero, Claudia Biancotti, Leandro D'Aurizio and Claudio Impenna (JASSS 2009)
  - Modelling Opinion Formation with Physics Tools: Call for Closer Link with Reality by Pawel Sobkowicz (JASSS 2009)
  - The Dynamics of Public Opinion in Complex Networks by Shuguang Suo and Yu Chen (JASSS 2008)
  - An Agent-Based Representation of the Garbage Can Model of Organizational Choice Guido Fioretti and Alessandro Lomi (JASSS 2008) (uses NetLogo)
  - A Cognitively Founded Model of the Social Emergence of Lexicon by Umberto Gostoli (JASSS 2008)
  - Cultural Learning in a Dynamic Environment: an Analysis of Both Fitness and Diversity in Populations of Neural Network Agents by Dara Curran and Colm O'Riordan (JASSS 2007)
  - Simulating the Effect of Social Influence on Decision-Making in Small, Task-Oriented, Groups by Roy Wilson (JASSS 2007)
  - Information Feedback and Mass Media Effects in Cultural Dynamics Juan Carlos Gonz?lez-Avella, Mario G. Cosenza, Konstantin Klemm, V?ctor M. Egu?luz and Maxi San Miguel (JASSS 2007)
  - Truth and Cognitive Division of Labour: First Steps Towards a Computer Aided Social Epistemology by Rainer Hegselmann and Ulrich Krause (JASSS 2006)
  - Simulation of the Categorization-Elaboration Model of Diversity and Work-Group Performance by Victor Palmer (JASSS 2006)
  - Inter-Organizational Learning and Collective Memory in Small Firms Clusters: an Agent-Based Approach by Francesca Borrelli, Cristina Ponsiglione, Luca Iandoli and Giuseppe Zollo (JASSS 2005)
  - Simulating Organizational Decision-Making Using a Cognitively Realistic Agent Model by Ron Sun and Isaac Naveh (JASSS 2004) (uses SOAR-like CLARION system)
  - Cross-Element Validation in Multiagent-based Simulation: Switching Learning Mechanisms in Agents by Keiki Takadama, Yutaka L. Suematsu, Norikazu Sugimoto, Norberto E. Nawa and Katsunori Shimohara (JASSS 2003)
  - The role of oblivion, memory size and spatial separation in dynamic language games by Juan de Lara and Manuel Alfonseca (JASSS 2002)
  - Evaluating the impact of increasing memory on agent behaviour: Adaptive patterns in an agent based simulation of subsistence by Andre Costopoulos (JASSS 2001)
  - Introducing Emotions into the Computational Study of Social Norms: A First Evaluation by Alexander Staller and Paolo Petta (JASSS 2001)
  - JASSS indexed by issue
  - JASSS indexed by keyword
- wikipedia entry for Soar
- A Gentle Introduction to Soar: 2006 update
- Campus090302.nlogo start of building a campus environment map. Includes quadrant 1 Bresenham for sidewalks.
- satellite image of campus (see google maps terms of use)
- Campus090305.nlogo person walking on sidewalk (general Besenham algorithm)
- Campus090316.nlogo using lists to reorganize previous version
- Campus090320.nlogo restructuring distance calculation
- Papers related to Simulating prehistoric hunter-gather societies paper
  - An empirical test for steward's model of the Great Basin Settlement Patterns (Thomas)
  - Using cultural algorithm with evolutionary computing to extract site location decisions from spatio-temporal databases (Reynolds)
  - CULTURAL ALGORITHMS: A TUTORIAL (Reynolds)
  - Modeling hunter-gatherer decision making: complementing optimal foraging theory (Mithen)
Winter 2010
- Chairs01 NetLogo model and just the code of Chairs01
- Chairs02 NetLogo model
- First NetLogo model (shows plotting historic data and then shifting to plotting predicted data).
- Second NetLogo model shows plotting of population of three contries. Uses lists to keep track of countries.

I can be contacted by email at webber@csd.uwo.ca in the manner described in the course announcement handout.