The aim of this workshop series is to introduce agent-based modelling and system dynamics, specifically in terms of their applications in social science and public health. We hope that participants have a good understanding of the types of questions these methods are suited to answer. Participants will learn the basic principles of the methods and get a sense of what the models look like as well as be signposted to resources to learn more about the method.
The workshop series will be conducted over two days, over Zoom.
Session 1: Introduction to Agent Based Modelling (ABM) 20th October, 9.30-11.45
Session 2: Introduction to System Dynamics (SD) 20th October, 13.45-16.00
Session 3: Comparing and applying ABM and SD to own work, 21st October, 10.00-11.30
Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions.
On the first day, we will provide an overview of agent-based modelling and system dynamics separately, introducing the key concepts, provide examples of how they have been used in social science and public health, and look at one simple model in detail to understand how it is built, tested and analysed. We will use a few model examples to explain each method in practice and look at the program/code for one model with the participants to show them how models are built and how they function. These sessions will involve presentations with some interactive activities.
On the second day, we will compare the two methods, using one example. Following which, we will use activities in breakout rooms to structure a discussion about how these methods could be implemented into the participants’ own research. The session will be mostly interactive and participants are strongly encouraged to participate in discussions to make the most of the session.