Using computer simulation to study social phenomena

Abstract

Computer simulation has enjoyed a recent revival as a methodological tool in the social sciences, in sociology, advances in hardware and, particularly in software, have allowed the construction of much more interesting simulation models than before. This paper reviews two strands of recent work on computer simulation: dynamic micro-simulation and simulation based on distributed artificial intelligence, and suggests some general methodological principles for simulation research. Simulation shares some of the same methodological difficulties as other types of modelling. lncluding statistical modelling, but also offers new opportunities. © 1995, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.