Dataset Information

Toward inverse generative social science using multi-objective genetic programming.

ABSTRACT: Generative mechanism-based models of social systems, such as those represented by agent-based simulations, require that intra-agent equations (or rules) be specified. However there are often many different choices available for specifying these equations, which can still be interpreted as falling within a particular class of mechanisms. Whilst it is important for a generative model to reproduce historically observed dynamics, it is also important for the model to be theoretically enlightening. Genetic programs (our own included) often produce concatenations that are highly predictive but are complex and hard to interpret theoretically. Here, we develop a new method - based on multi-objective genetic programming - for automating the exploration of both objectives simultaneously. We demonstrate the method by evolving the equations for an existing agent-based simulation of alcohol use behaviors based on social norms theory, the initial model structure for which was developed by a team of human modelers. We discover a trade-off between empirical fit and theoretical interpretability that offers insight into the social norms processes that influence the change and stasis in alcohol use behaviors over time.

SUBMITTER: Vu TM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7569505 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Toward inverse generative social science using multi-objective genetic programming.

Vu Tuong Manh TM Probst Charlotte C Epstein Joshua M JM Brennan Alan A Strong Mark M Purshouse Robin C RC

Genetic and Evolutionary Computation Conference : [proceedings]. Genetic and Evolutionary Computation Conference 20190701

Generative mechanism-based models of social systems, such as those represented by agent-based simulations, require that intra-agent equations (or rules) be specified. However there are often many different choices available for specifying these equations, which can still be interpreted as falling within a particular class of mechanisms. Whilst it is important for a generative model to reproduce historically observed dynamics, it is also important for the model to be theoretically enlightening. G ...[more]

PMID: 33083795

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Dataset Information

Toward inverse generative social science using multi-objective genetic programming.

Publications

Toward inverse generative social science using multi-objective genetic programming.

Similar Datasets

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