Tools and techniques for social science simulation

The use of computer simulations to explore social phenomena has surged in recent years, with social scientists from economics, sociology, psychology, and other fields increasingly adopting these methods. This growth is driven by the accessibility of powerful personal computers, interdisciplinary approaches, and advancements in artificial intelligence. The advantages of simulations in social sciences are significant, serving as tools for theory development and for conducting sensitivity analyses and parameter optimization in practical models. Simulations are particularly effective for studying complex social systems, especially dynamic and multi-agent systems where mathematical solutions are often unattainable. The graphical representation of simulation outputs makes them accessible to social scientists who may not be well-versed in mathematics. This volume aims to advance understanding in four key areas: (1) examining theoretical and methodological issues related to simulation applications in social sciences. The goal is to foster the development of a unified, user-friendly simulation toolkit applicable to various social challenges. While this objective remains a work in progress, the theoretical discussions presented in Part 1 contribute to this aim.