Introduction to agent-based modeling: with applications to social ecological, and social-ecological systems

This textbook provides a practical introduction to agent-based modeling using NetLogo based on 15 years of teaching this methodology to students in the life and social sciences. Agent-based modeling is increasingly used by social and life scientists in their research and teaching. Agent-based modeling is discussed in this book as a research tool in tandem with other methodologies, as such attention is given to modeling as a scientific method. The book first describes basic concepts and introduces you to NetLogo. Then gets you more familiar with modeling and NetLogo by exploring several classic agent-based models. Further, we discuss methods to analyze models using sensitivity analysis and calibration. We close with a series of chapters on ecosystem management, and diffusion of viruses, and gossip and innovations in networks. Each chapter uses practical examples with NetLogo models, and those models are freely available to the readers. Cover Title Page Copyright Table Of Contents Preface Tools and Concepts Complex Adaptive Systems Introduction to Modeling The Logic of Programming Introduction to NetLogo Getting Started with Some Classics Cellular Automata Social Dynamics Movements and Patterns Sugarscape Model Analysis Doing Research with Models Stochastic Processes Sensitivity Analysis Comparing simulated data with empirical data Ecosystem Management Population Ecology Governing the Commons Managing Rangelands Diffusion and Social Influence Networks Epidemics Diffusion of Innovations Fads and Fashions Closing Closing