Tips & Tricks

General principles

• KISS
• Start analytical (see Chapter 11 by Luis R. Izquierdo in Edmonds, Bruce and Meyer, Ruth (eds.) (2013) Simulating Social Complexity: A Handbook (Understanding Complex Systems). Berlin: Springer-Verlag
• Refrain from developing a new model. In contrast, build on an existing model and add one or two new assumptions. Next demonstrate whether and under what condition the new assumptions change model predictions.
• Always defend your assumptions with theoretical arguments and empirical findings
• Explain why your model generates its predictions
• Test your assumptions, focussing on those that affect predictions
• Test model predictions, focussing on those where models disagree (timing of contacts, homophily)