Aligning simulation models: A case study and results

Abstract

This paper develops the concepts and methods of a process we will call “alignment of computational models” or “docking” for short. Alignment is needed to determine whether two models can produce the same results, which in turn is the basis for critical experiments and for tests of whether one model can subsume another. We illustrate our concepts and methods using as a target a model of cultural transmission built by Axelrod. For comparison we use the Sugarscape model developed by Epstein and Axtell.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/44707/1/10588_2005_Article_BF01299065.pd