Modeling the Forest or Modeling the Trees A Comparison of System Dynamics and Agent-Based Simulation

摘要

System Dynamics and Agent-based Simulation are two approaches that use computersimulation for investigating non-linear social and socio-economic systems with a focuson the understanding and qualitative prediction of a system’s behavior. Although thetwo schools have a broad overlap in research topics they have been relatively unnoticedby each other so far. This paper contributes to the cross-study of System Dynamics andAgent-Based Simulation. It uncovers and contrasts the primary conceptualpredispositions underlying the two approaches. Moreover, ideas about how theapproaches could be integrated are presented.