Simulation Modeling in Political Science

In: American behavioral scientist: ABS, Band 42, Heft 10, S. 1509-1530

Abstract

Simulation research has made some notable contributions in political science. This article describes a variety of simulation projects and points out the strengths and weaknesses of simulation in contrast with other methods of research. The strength of simulation research is that it is naturally suited to modeling projects that include a large number of autonomous, interacting agents. Statistical and formal methods of analysis have made contributions in these areas, but there is good reason to believe that simulation can go further. This point is explored in several contexts, including social choice theory, individual-level simulation models, international relations, the prisoner's dilemma game, and more general agent-based models of multiperson interaction.