Received: 26 May, 2003. Accepted: 17 June, 2003.

SUMMARY

The paper provides an introduction to agent-based modelling and simulation of social processes. Reader is introduced to the worldview underlying agent-based models, some basic terminology, basic properties of agent-based models, as well as to what one can and what cannot expect from such models, particularly when they are applied to social-scientific investigation. Special attention is given to the issues of validation.

KEY WORDS

agent-based models, social simulation, complexity, complex adaptive systems

CLASSIFICATION

ACM Categories and subject descriptors:		J.4 [Computer Applications]; Social and behavioral sciences – Sociology
PACS:		89.75.Fb