Why Sociology Should Use Agent Based Modelling

Dados Bibliográficos

ID2642844
AutoresE Chattoe-Brown (0000-0001-8232-6896, University of Leicester, autor correspondente)
Ano2013
Volume18
Fascículo3
Páginas31-41
Data de publicação2013-08-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoSociological Research Online (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1360-7804 • E-ISSN: 1360-7804
EditoraSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.5153/sro.3055
OpenAlexW2010411004
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas27
Referências citadas28

Although Agent Based Models (hereafter ABM) are now regularly reported in sociology journals, explaining the approach, describing models and reporting results leaves little opportunity to examine wider implications of ABM for sociological practice. This article uses an established ABM (the Schelling model) for this. The first part argues that ABM integrates qualitative and quantitative data distinctively, provides novel tools for understanding social causes and offers a significantly different perspective on theory building. The second part shows how the emerging ABM methodology is compatible with existing sociological practice while undermining several criticisms of ABM perceived to limit its sociological relevance

Epistemology · Perspective (graphical · Relevance (law · Social science · Sociological imagination · Sociological research · Sociological theory · Sociology · Computer Science · Contemporary Sociological Theory and Practice · Law · Social and Cultural Dynamics · Social Capital and Networks · Artificial Intelligence