Qual2Rule: Using qualitative data to inform behavioral rules in agent-based models

Organizer: 

ESSA Special Interest Group Qual2Rule

Session chairs:

Melania Borit, CRAFT Research Lab, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway

Bruce Edmonds, Centre for Policy Modelling, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

Description:

Many academics consider qualitative evidence (e.g. texts gained from transcribing oral data or observations of people) and quantitative evidence to be incommensurable.  However, agent-based simulations are a possible vehicle for bridging this gap. Narrative textual evidence often gives clues as to the in-context behavior of individuals and is thus a natural source for behaviors to inform the specification of corresponding agent behavior within simulations. The texts will not give a complete picture, but will provide some of “menu” of behaviors people use. During this session we hope to further the understanding of how to improve this. We are particularly interested in accounts of the procedures or structures people used to bridge between qualitative and formal realms based in reported modelling experiences. Thus, those interested to present their work in this session have to make sure that their submission explicitly addresses the use of qualitative data in their modelling endeavour. The session is open to all approaches that seek to move from qualitative evidence towards a simulation in a systematic way.