Simulation

This week we discuss simulation as a way to test theories and explore non-obvious relationships. Please come prepared to give a presentation on your simulation homework assignment (see below).

Primary Readings

  • Romney, A. K., Weller, S. C., & Batchelder, W. H. (1986). Culture as consensus: A theory of culture and informant accuracy. American Anthropologist, 88(2), 313-338. [^pdf]

  • March, J. G. (1991). Exploration and exploitation in organizational learning. Organization Science, 2(1), 71-87. [pdf]

  • Schelling, T. C. (1971). Dynamic models of segregation†. Journal of mathematical sociology, 1(2), 143-186. [pdf]

Secondary Readings

  • Gilbert, N. Agent-based models [pdf]

  • Schelling, T. C. (1971). Dynamic models of segregation†. Journal of mathematical sociology, 1(2), 143-186. [pdf]

  • Carley and Gasser. Computational organizational theory [pdf]

  • Harrison et al (2007). Simulation modeling in organizational and management research. Academy of Management Review. Vol. 32, No. 4, 1229–1245 [pdf]

Simulation homework assignment

  • You need to write a simulation of some model and present the methods and results. The simulation can be written in any language (R preferred). Potentially, there might be a way to do it in Excel. In order to write the simulation, you will have to specify some social or cognitive process in enough detail that you can specify rules. You will also need to select a key outcome -- the outcome that is being modeled. Then you set starting conditions, let the simulation run, and then look at the results.