|
The aim of this article is to discuss which software simulation tool(s) would be useful for partners working on the COSI project. The goal is to find a tool which is well suited to simulating the various social mechanisms which are of interest to each of the COSI partners, and, which takes into account the various levels of expertise of using simulation software that exist amongst the COSI partners. Given these two points, the aim is then to suggest a choice of useful simulation tools. This document begins with a brief discussion of the main criteria that the COSI partners are using to evaluate the various simulation tools. Seven simulation tools are then reviewed. This paper is intended to be read in conjunction with the paper by Louis Foucart (a fellow COSI researcher) entitled 'A Small Multi-Agent Systems Review'. Since Louis concentrates on three tools (Swarm, Ascape and Repast) my coverage of those tools has been kept to a minimum. I have, however, made an exception with Swarm, with which I have had experience. |
Each review begins with a brief introduction to the tool. The aim is not to provide in-depth technical data, but to give an idea to those partners who have little or no experience of simulation software of whether the tool will be suited to their particular tasks and abilities. In particular, the review will focus on how each of the tools is suited to simulation in social sciences. I have tried to keep the style of the review fairly light in order to give people an overall impression of the tool without digressing into too much detail. However, links to the tool's home page and to web sites giving additional information are provided. In the final section, I have made some personal comments and suggestions about the suitability of some of the tools to the COSI project.