Publication Details
Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2018.10.006
Document author version
Title (Primary) From cases to general principles: A call for theory development through agent-based modeling
Author Lorscheid, I.; Berger, U.; Grimm, V.; Meyer, M.
Journal Ecological Modelling
Year 2019
Department OESA
Volume 393
Page From 153
Page To 156
Language englisch
Keywords Individual-based modeling; Theory development; Epistemological perspectives
Abstract Virtually all current major social and environmental challenges such as financial crises, migration, the erosion of democratic institutions, and the loss of biodiversity involve complex systems comprising decision-making, interacting, adaptive agents. To understand how such agent-based complex systems function and respond to change and disturbances, agent-based modeling (ABM) is increasingly recognized as the main way forward. Many motivating examples of agent-based models exist that are realistic enough to successfully support the management of complex systems, but these solutions are case-specific and contribute few general insights into the functioning of systems. General theory, though, is highly needed because we cannot model each system and question. Still, across disciplines, a critical mass of expertise has accumulated that could transform ABM into a more coherent and efficient approach to discover the functioning of complex social-economic-ecological systems. To this end, we need a cross-disciplinary discussion among researchers and a goal-oriented synthesis to identify the general principles and theories essential to improve our understanding and management of complex systems.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=21539
Lorscheid, I., Berger, U., Grimm, V., Meyer, M. (2019):
From cases to general principles: A call for theory development through agent-based modeling
Ecol. Model. 393 , 153 - 156