Books

Books : reviews

Nigel Gilbert.
Agent-Based Models.
Sage Publications. 2008

Agent-Based Models is a short, straightforward primer that introduces an increasingly popular form of modeling in the social sciences. Reviewing a range of examples, author Nigel Gilbert gives practical advice on how to design and build agent-based models. The book also considers practical issues such as planning a modeling project, verification, validation, and how to structure a scholarly article reporting the results of agent-based modeling.

Key Features

Makes theoretical discussions about good practice easier to understand: The book includes a worked, step-by-step example of the development of an ABM.
Offers examples based on NetLogo: The NetLogo simulation environment is free, easily available, runs on all common operating systems, and is designed for the beginner.
Encourages readers to create their own models: Constructive advice is given on design, coding, and debugging.
Presents a substantial discussion about the validation of agent-based models: Validation is an issue about which all modelers are concerned, and this book remedies the dearth of useful advice.
Provides useful pedagogical aids: A glossary and an annotated list of resources are included.