On How to Conduct Experimental Research with Self-Motivated Agents

Abstract

Abstract. We argue that experimental methodologies are harder to apply when self-motivated agents are involved, especially when the issue of choice gains its due relevance in their model. We use a choice-oriented agent architecture to illustrate a means of bridging the distance between the observer and the actors of an experiment. Traditional experimentation has to give way to exploratory simulation, to bring insights into the design issues, not only of the agents, but of the experiment as well. The role of its designer cannot be ignored, at the risk of achieving only obvious, predictable conclusions. We propose to bring the designer into the experiment. To accomplish that, we provide a value-based model of choice to represent the preferences of both entities. This model includes mechanisms that allow for explicit bonds between observer and observed. We use the findings of extensive experimentation with this model to compare current experimental methodologies in what concerns evaluation itself.

Behavioral models of climate change adaptation and mitigation in land‐based sectors

“…In order for models to account for true adaptationincluding in the nature, objectives, and forms of individual and social behaviors-they need to prioritize generative cognitive processes over more tractable optimisation functions. 112,113 Of course, it is not necessarily the case that ever-greater behavioral accuracy is either desirable or possible. Not all forms of individual and social behaviors are amenable to modeling, but the identification of limits is a complex problem involving philosophical and practical considerations.…”

“…Equally important are dynamic behaviors and social structures that allow for realistic interactions between actors and their environments. In order for models to account for true adaptation—including in the nature, objectives, and forms of individual and social behaviors—they need to prioritize generative cognitive processes over more tractable optimisation functions 112,113 …”

A philosophical case for process-based modelling of land use change

“…Instead, models have tended to converge on narrow, minimalistic interpretations, leaving important facets of human behaviour unexplored (e.g. Antunes and Coelho 2004;Helbing and Balietti 2011;Conte and Paolucci 2014). This is certainly true when individual behaviour is prioritised at the expense of social behaviour, or when social behaviour does not have the 'downward' effects that are highlighted so prominently in social theory (O'Sullivan and Haklay 2000;Gilbert 2002;Sawyer 2000;Conte et al 2013).…”

On agent-based modeling and computational social science

“…Finally, agents vary according to the philosophical or meta-theoretical view their description is based upon. One example is the attempt to model agents on the basis of a personal utility function, on which much work on agents has been done over the past 30–40 years or so, and that has also been criticized as for its micro plausibility (Antunes and Coelho, 2004 ).…”