Effects of Interaction Topology and Activation Regime in Several Multi-Agent Systems

The effects of distinct agent interaction and activation structures are compared and contrasted in several multi-agent models of social phenomena. Random graphs and lattices represent two limiting kinds of agent interaction networks studied, with so-called 'small-world' networks being an intermediate form between these two extremes. A model of retirement behavior is studied with each network type, resulting in important differences in key model outputs. Then, in the context of a model of firm formation, in which multi-agent structures (firms) are emergent, it is demonstrated that the medium of interaction--whether through individual agents or through firms--affects the qualitative character of the results. Finally, alternative agent activation 'schedules' are studied. In particular, two activation modes are compared: (1) all agents being active exactly once each period, and (2) each agent having a random number of activations

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2000
• Where: MABS
• Authors: Robert L. Axtell
• Keywords: Agent Interaction, Agent Interaction Networks, Distinct Agent Interaction, Intelligent Agents, MABS 2000