4 - Exploring and Expanding Agent-Based Modeling

Question 1

What are the characteristic features of ABM?

Answer 1

• Simple rules can generate complex phenomena
• Randomness in individual behaviour can result in consistent patterns of population behaviour
• Complex patterns can self-organize without any leader orchestrating the behaviour
• Different models emphasize different aspects of the world

Question 2

True or False: The Fire model is totally deterministic

Answer 2

False (should be probabilistic)

Question 3

What is the Diffusion - Limited Aggregation (DLA) Model?

Answer 3

Idealization of the process of formation of crystals, coral, fungi, lighting etc.
Particle agents wiggle (turn and move around and die or turn green)

Question 4

What is the El Farol Model

Answer 4

• A model of bounded rationality and inductive reasoning (not completely rational agents maximizing utility/usefulness)
• Agents don’t perfectly optimize but an economic equilibrium is achieved
  Description: Decide to go to the bar to listen to music - but don’t enjoy it when it’s too crowded