Extension of Companion Modeling Using Classification Learning

Abstract

Companion Modeling is a methodology of refining initial models for understanding reality through a role-playing game (RPG) and a multiagent simulation. In this research, we propose a novel agent model construction methodology in which classification learning is applied to the RPG log data in Companion Modeling. This methodology enables a systematic model construction that handles multi-parameters, independent of the modelers ability. There are three problems in applying classification learning to the RPG log data: 1. It is difficult to gather enough data for the number of features because the cost of gathering data is high. 2. Noise data can affect the learning results because the amount of data may be insufficient. 3. The learning results should be explained as a human decision making model and should be recognized by the expert as being the result that reflects reality. We realized an agent model construction system using the following two approaches: 1. Using a feature selction method, the feature subset that has the best prediction accuracy is identified. In this process, the important features chosen by the expert are always included. 2. The expert eliminates irrelevant features from the learning results after evaluating the learning model through a visualization of the results. Finally, using the RPG log data from the Companion Modeling of agricultural economics in northeastern Thailand, we confirm the capability of this methodology. keywords: multiagent-based simulation, modeling, machine learning, classification learning, feature selection. © 2005, The Japanese Society for Artificial Intelligence. All rights reserved.