Exploring Agent-Based Simulations in Political Science Using Aggregate Temporal Graphs

Authors

R. Jordan Crouser, Tufts UniversityFollow
Jeremy G. Freeman, Tufts University
Remco Chang, Tufts University

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-2011

Publication Title

Visual Analytics Science and Technology (VAST) Poster Session, 2011 IEEE Conference on

Abstract

Agent-based simulation has become a key technique for modeling and simulating dynamic, complicated behaviors in social and behavioral sciences. Lacking the appropriate tools and support, it is difficult for social scientists to thoroughly analyze the results of these simulations. In this work, we capture the complex relationships between discrete simulation states by visualizing the data as a temporal graph. In collaboration with expert analysts, we identify two graph structures which capture important relationships between pivotal states in the simulation and their inevitable outcomes. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of these structures in the interactive analysis of a large-scale social science simulation of political power in present-day Thailand.

Rights

© the authors

Comments

Peer reviewed accepted manuscript.

Recommended Citation

Crouser, R. Jordan; Freeman, Jeremy G.; and Chang, Remco, "Exploring Agent-Based Simulations in Political Science Using Aggregate Temporal Graphs" (2011). Computer Science: Faculty Publications, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/csc_facpubs/144