Integrating Equity Considerations into Agent-Based Modeling: A Conceptual Framework and Practical Guidance

Type of content
Journal Article
Thesis discipline
Degree name
Publisher
Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
en
Date
2022
Authors
Williams TG
Brown DG
Guikema SD
Magliocca NR
Müller B
Steger CE
Logan, Thomas
Abstract

Advancing equity is a complex challenge for society, science, and policy. Agent-based models are increasingly used as scientific tools to advance understanding of systems, inform decision-making, and share knowledge. Yet, equity has not received due attention within the agent-based modeling (ABM) literature. In this paper, we develop a conceptual framework and provide guidance for integrating equity considerations into ABM research and modeling practice. The framework conceptualizes ABM as interfacing with equity outcomes at two levels (the science-society interface and within the model itself) and the modeler as a filter and lens that projects knowledge between the target system and the model. Within the framework, we outline three complementary, equity-advancing action pathways: (1) engage stakeholders, (2) acknowledge positionality and bias, and (3) assess equity with agent-based models. For Pathway 1, we summarize existing guidance within the participatory modeling literature. For Pathway 2, we introduce the positionality and bias document as a tool to promote modeler and stakeholder reflexivity throughout the modeling process. For Pathway 3, we synthesize a typology of approaches for modeling equity and ffer a set of preliminary suggestions for best practice. By engaging with these action pathways, modelers both reduce the risks of inadvertently perpetuating inequity and harness the opportunities for ABM to play a larger role in creating a more equitable future.

Description
Citation
Williams TG, Brown DG, Guikema SD, Logan TM, Magliocca NR, Müller B, Steger CE Integrating Equity Considerations into Agent-Based Modeling: A Conceptual Framework and Practical Guidance. Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation. 25(3).
Keywords
Agent-Based Model, Fairness, Justice, Reflexivity, Best Practice, Simulation
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
0406 Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience
0801 Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing
1608 Sociology
Fields of Research::46 - Information and computing sciences::4602 - Artificial intelligence::460202 - Autonomous agents and multiagent systems
Fields of Research::46 - Information and computing sciences::4602 - Artificial intelligence::460207 - Modelling and simulation
Fields of Research::44 - Human society::4410 - Sociology::441012 - Sociology of inequalities
Fields of Research::50 - Philosophy and religious studies::5001 - Applied ethics::500103 - Ethical use of new technology
Fields of Research::40 - Engineering::4010 - Engineering practice and education::401004 - Humanitarian engineering
Rights
All rights reserved unless otherwise stated