Abstract
We present a generic method for considering incomplete but gradually expandable sociological data in agent-based modeling based on the classic model of cultural dissemination by Axelrod. Our method extension was inspired by research on the diffusion of citizen photovoltaic initiatives, i.e. by initiatives in which citizens collectively invest in photovoltaic plants and share the profits. Owing to the absence of empirical interaction parameters, the Axelrod model was used as basis for considering peer effects with contrived interaction data that can be updated from empirical surveys later on. The Axelrod model was extended to cover the following additional features:•Consideration of empirical social science data for concrete social interaction.•Development of a variable and fine-tunable interaction function for agents.•Deployment of a generic procedure for modeling peer effects in agent-based models.
Highlights
In this paper we describe a generic way of considering incomplete but gradually expandable sociological data in agent-based modeling
In extension to Axelrod’s model of cultural dissemination [1], we developed a generic procedure for feeding the model with data that can be completely or partially contrived at first, and can be updated later on when additional information becomes available
Background information regarding the application of the method described in this specific case, and a brief description of the original Axelrod model are provided in the section ‘Additional information’ towards the end of the paper
Summary
ABSTRACT We present a generic method for considering incomplete but gradually expandable sociological data in agent-based modeling based on the classic model of cultural dissemination by Axelrod. Our method extension was inspired by research on the diffusion of citizen photovoltaic initiatives, i.e. by initiatives in which citizens collectively invest in photovoltaic plants and share the profits. Owing to the absence of empirical interaction parameters, the Axelrod model was used as basis for considering peer effects with contrived interaction data that can be updated from empirical surveys later on. The Axelrod model was extended to cover the following additional features: Consideration of empirical social science data for concrete social interaction. ARTICLE INFO Method name: [8_TD$IF]Agent-based modeling with incomplete empirical data Keywords: Cultural dissemination, Peer effects, Agent-based modeling, Incomplete data, Diffusion processes. Article history: Received 19 May 2016; Accepted 18 November 2016; Available online 21 November 2016
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