Techniques and Issues in Agent-Based Modeling Validation

Abstract

Validation of simulation models is extremely important. It ensures that the right model has been built and lends confidence to the use of that model to inform critical decisions. Agent-based models (ABM) have been widely deployed in different fields for studying the collective behavior of large numbers of interacting agents. However, researchers have only recently started to consider the issues of validation. Compared to other simulation models, ABM has many differences in model development, usage and validation. An ABM is inherently easier to build than a classical simulation, but more difficult to describe formally since they are closer to human cognition. Using multi-agent models to study complex systems has attracted criticisms because of the challenges involved in their validation [1]. In this report, we describe the challenge of ABM validation and present a novel approach we recently developed for an ABM system.