How to conduct more systematic reviews of agent-based models and foster theory development

Taking stock and looking ahead

Journal article (2024)

Authors

Sebastian Achter Hamburg University of Technology
Melania Borit UiT the Arctic University of Norway
C. Cottineau Urban Studies - Architecture and the Built Environment
Matthias Meyer Hamburg University of Technology
J. Gareth Polhill The James Hutton Institute
Viktoriia Radchuk Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research
Research Group
Urban Studies (Architecture and the Built Environment) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2024 Sebastian Achter, Melania Borit, C. Cottineau, Matthias Meyer, J. Gareth Polhill, Viktoriia Radchuk
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2023.105867
More Info
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Published Date

2024

Language

English

Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Department

Urbanism

Research Group

Urban Studies

Abstract

Agent-based models (ABMs) are increasingly utilized in ecology and related fields, yet concerns persist regarding the lack of consideration for lessons learned from previous models. This study explores the potential of systematically conducted ABM reviews to contribute to cumulative science and theory development by synthesizing individual ABM findings more effectively. We are conducting a meta-review of ABM reviews to assess current practices, compare them to systematic literature review (SLR) literature recommendations, and evaluate their engagement with theory and theory development. Our analysis of the ecology and social science sample reveals that many reviews are not conducted systematically and lack transparency. The analysis step of SLRs holds significant potential to advance theory development. Reviews primarily focus on model design, while other avenues of theory development receive less attention. Our findings suggest ways to improve current practices and may guide future ABM reviews via benchmarks for methodological decisions and dimensions for advancing theory development.