Agent-Based Modeling: Value Added to Social Work Research

Abstract

Social workers have taken large strides in adopting rigorous research methods, yet there have been computational advances that could enhance the social work knowledge base. This article introduces a computational method, agent-based modeling, which can facilitate theoretical and methodological innovations by strengthening the alignment of our research methods with common social work theories. We review three theories, identify how current methods do not allow for the full exploration of the social phenomena under investigation, and provide justification for using agent-based modeling.