Another type of data that agent based modeling in the social sciences
make extensive use of is ethnographic data. Such data can be used to
extract proces details that then enter in to the model. This approach
has been used successfully, e.g., in the multi-agent soar work. In
addition, we have found that linking ethnographic detail with survey
data on individuals is quite powerful.
Here are a few papers showing the link between data and models, and in
which different types of validation are done of social models. Note,
these are not work force models. Moreover, this work does take the
stance that social systems are not infinitely mutable. Rather, both
organizational phenomena and social phenomena are seen as examples of
constrained evolution.
Kathleen M. Carley & John Harrald, 1997, Organizational Learning Under
Fire: Theory and Practice. American Behavioral Scientist, 40(3): 310-332.
Kathleen M. Carley, 1996, A Comparison of Artificial and Human
Organizations. Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization. 31: 175-191.
Kathleen Carley & Zhiang Lin, 1995, Organizational Designs Suited to
High Performance Under Stress. IEEE - Transactions on Systems Man and
Cybernetics, 25(1): 221-230.
Kathleen Carley, 1990, Group Stability: A Socio-Cognitive Approach.
Pp. 1-44 in Lawler E., Markovsky B., Ridgeway C. & Walker H. (Eds.)
Advances in Group Processes: Theory and Research . Vol. VII. Greenwhich,
CN: JAI Press.
Kathleen Carley, 1991, A Theory of Group Stability. American
Sociological Review , 56(3): 331-354.
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