Soft Systems Agent-Based Methodology: Multi-methods Approach Between Soft Systems Methodology and Agent-Based Modeling

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to replicate the Sugarscape model (Eptstein and Axtell 1996) and simulation outcomes as described in Growing Artificial Societies (GAS). Sugarscape is a classic agent-based model and contemporary simulation toolkits usually only have a very simple replication of a few core rules. There is scant evidence of significant replication of the rules and simulation outcomes; code supplied with Repast, Swarm, and NetLogo implement a minority of the rules in Sugarscape. In particular, the standard Repast distribution only implements Growback, Movement, and Replacement. Sugarscape implementations in these toolkits are clearly provided only as basic demonstrations of how wellknown social models might be implemented, rather than complete achievements of scientific replication.