Cognitive Social Simulation for Policy Making

Abstract

Blending cognitive and social models leads to tools for more precisely understanding policy implications at both individual and social levels. Key Points • • Cognitive modeling and social simulation together capture both individual mental processes and interpersonal social processes, for better understanding the implications of public policies. • • Detailed simulation enables precise understanding of possible scenarios and outcomes, which can guide better policies. • • Cognitive social simulation should be part of the curriculum of studying public policies.

The Effect of Agency on Cognitive Load in Dyads Learning Physics with a Serious Computer Game

“…At the inter-individual level, (Sun 2018) illustrated the value of computational modeling in understanding social-cognitive issues by examining both individual and social processes and their interaction. Computational modeling is a suitable basis to elaborate and test detailed theories that go beyond verbal-conceptual theories.…”

“…He insisted especially on using computational social simulation with realistic cognitive models in conjunction with cognitive architectures. At the individual level, cognitive architectures specify, often in considerable computational detail, the mechanisms and processes underlying cognition (Sun 2018). Although computational modeling is often applied to a particular level at a time (e.g., the social, the cognitive-psychological, etc.…”

“…), this is not an intrinsic limitation. Cross-level and multilevel analysis and modeling could be enlightening, and even essential (Sun 2018).…”

Multi-agent kunstig intelligens og offentlig politikk

“…Det er imidlertid også viktig å se på utfordringene knyttet til denne typen modellering. Adekvate simuleringer krever, at man er oppmerksom på, hvilke kognitive mekanismer som former menneskers handlefrihet (Sun, 2018), kompleksiteten i sosiale nettverk (Flache et al, 2017), og hvordan geografiske rammer påvirker policy-scenarier (Polhill et al, 2019). Fagfeltet er i rask utvikling, og med den kompleksiteten som simulering av sosiale fenomener innebaerer, og alle utfordringene som medfølger, er det viktig, at man også arbeider parallelt med å utvikle en beste praksis (Shults, Wildman, Diallo, Puga-Gonzalez & Voas, 2018).…”

The role of robotics and AI in technologically mediated human evolution: a constructive proposal

“…Specifically on the issue of the purposeful development of integrative models for the information of public policy, Sun (2018b) argues that computational models may benefit policy makers who instead of "relying on speculations" need a more "reliable means for understanding" policy implications (p. 240). Psychologically realistic models of social systems "may be used to predict human performance in organizational settings and to prescribe optimal or nearoptimal cognitive abilities for individuals for specific tasks and organizational structures" (p. 243).…”