Modeling and Simulation for Analyzing Global Events

by Sokolowski, John A.; Banks, Catherine M.

• ISBN13: 9780470478417
• ISBN10: 0470478411
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-07-14
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

The field of modeling and simulation is expanding as interest in the discipline and its applications increase. Serving as an introduction to the theory and applications of modeling and simulation in the realm of international studies, Modeling and Simulation for Analyzing Global Events integrates modeling and simulation theories, methods, and data to analyze real-world global and domestic challenges that involve technological and social issues. Coverage provides professionals and graduate students with an understanding of historical and contemporary global events, represented in a scientific format.

Author Biography

John A. Sokolowski, PhD, is Research Professor and Director of Research at the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center at Old Dominion University. He has written numerous journal articles on the use of modeling and simulation techniques in the fields of engineering, computer science, and human behavior representation. Dr. Sokolowski is the coeditor of Principles of Modeling and Simulation: A Multidisciplinary Approach, also published by Wiley.

Catherine M. Banks, PhD, is Research Assistant Professor at the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center at Old Dominion University. She currently focuses her research on modeling states and their varied histories of revolution and insurgency; political economy and state volatility; and climate change and population dynamics. Dr. Banks is the coeditor of Principles of Modeling and Simulation: A Multidisciplinary Approach, also published by Wiley.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. xi
Principles of modeling and Simulation: Advancing Global Studies	p. 1
Modeling and Simulation: What, When, and Why	p. 3
Introduction	p. 3
An Overview of Modeling and Simulation	p. 4
A Brief History of Modeling and Simulation	p. 8
Why Use Modeling and Simulation	p. 16
Conclusions	p. 20
Key Terms	p. 21
References	p. 21
Further Reading	p. 22
Research Methodologies for Modeling Global Events	p. 23
Introduction	p. 23
Global Events and the Social Sciences	p. 25
Qualitative and Quantitative Research	p. 28
Modeling and Simulation of Global Events	p. 32
Mapping Data: A Suggested Methodology	p. 36
Model Validation	p. 39
Conclusions	p. 40
Key Terms	p. 41
References	p. 41
Modeling Paradigms	p. 43
System Dynamics	p. 45
Introduction	p. 45
Dynamic System Behavior	p. 46
Building Blocks of System Dynamics Models	p. 51
Conclusions	p. 61
Key Terms	p. 61
References	p. 61
Agent-Based Modeling and Social Networks	p. 63
Introduction	p. 63
Agent-Based Models: Description and Definition	p. 64
Social Networks	p. 76
Building an Agent-Based Model	p. 77
Conclusions	p. 78
Key Terms	p. 78
References	p. 79
Game Theory	p. 81
Introduction	p. 81
Fundamentals of Game Theory	p. 81
Types of Games	p. 86
Conclusions	p. 95
Key Terms	p. 95
References	p. 96
Modeling Global Events	p. 97
Case Study: Colombia-A Country Study of Insurgency	p. 99
Introduction	p. 99
Developing the Research Question and Methodology	p. 101
Background: Qualitative Research	p. 102
Mapping Qualitative to Quantitative	p. 108
System Dynamics	p. 115
Responding to the Research Question	p. 117
Key Terms	p. 120
References	p. 120
Case Study Bibliography	p. 120
Case Study: The Polish Solidarity Movement-Laying the Foundation for the Collapse of Soviet Communism	p. 123
Introduction	p. 123
Developing the Research Question and Methodology	p. 125
Background: Qualitative Research	p. 126
Measuring Agents and Environments: Stimuli and Actions	p. 144
Modeling Human Behavior with Agents	p. 147
Responding to the Research Question	p. 150
Conclusions	p. 151
Key Terms	p. 152
References	p. 152
Case Study Bibliography	p. 153
Case Study: Vietnam-Johnson's War, 1963-1965	p. 155
Introduction	p. 155
Developing the Research Question and Methodology	p. 157
Background: Qualitative Research	p. 158
Analyzing the Social Network Structures	p. 165
Social Network Aspects of Human Behavior Modeling	p. 169
Agent-Based Model Development	p. 169
Responding to the Research Question	p. 172
Key Terms	p. 173
References	p. 174
Case Study Bibliography	p. 174
Case Study: Cuban Missile Crisis-A National Security Emergency	p. 177
Introduction	p. 177
Developing the Research Question and Methodology	p. 179
Background: Qualitative Research	p. 180
Evaluating Behaviors	p. 188
Game Theory	p. 192
Responding to the Research Question	p. 197
Key Terms	p. 199
References	p. 199
Case Study Bibliography	p. 200
Index	p. 203
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.