Page 132 - Socially Intelligent Agents Creating Relationships with Computers and Robots

Building Empirically Plausible MAS 115

particular theory constructs in mind, rendering them unsuitable for reuse. To
take an example, what is the role of “conversation” in social networks? Simu-
lation usually represents information transmission through networks as broad-
casting of particulate information. In practice, little information transmission
is unilateral or particulate. What impact does the fact that people converse
have on their mental states? We know about the content of debates (discourse
analysis) and the dynamics of attitudes (social psychology) but almost nothing
about the interaction between the two.
Data Collection as a Design Principle: Proliferation of MAS architectures
suggeststhatweneedtoreduce the searchspace forsocial simulation. Inapplied
problems, this is done by pragmatic considerations: cost, speed and “elegance”.
For descriptive simulations, the ability to collect data may serve a corresponding
role. It is always worth asking why MAS need unobtainable data. The reasons
may be pragmatic but if they are not, perhaps the architecture should be made
less dependent on theoretical constructs so it can use data already collected for
another purpose.
Constructive Ignorance: The non-theoretical approach also suggests im-
portant research questions obscured by debates over theoretical constructs. For
example, do people transmit evaluations of things they don’t care about? What
is the impact of genuine dialogue on information transmission? When does
physical distance make a difference to social network structure? Answers to
these questions would be useful not just for innovation diffusion but in debates
about socialisation, group formation and stratification. Formulating questions
in relatively non-theoretical terms also helps us to see what data collection tech-
niques might be appropriate. Recognising our ignorance (rather than obscuring
it in abstract debates about theory constructs) also helps promote a healthy
humility!
In conclusion, focusing MAS design on data collection may not resolve the
difficulties of understanding complex systems, but it definitely provides a novel
perspective for their examination.

Notes

1. This example illustrates the meaning of “theory” in social science. A theory is a set of observed
regularities (revolutions) explained by postulated social processes (exploitation of the proletariat, formation
of worker groups, recognition that revolution is necessary).
2. The problem has recently been recognised (Hedström and Swedburg 1998) but the role of simulation
in solving it is still regarded with scepticism by the majority of social scientists.
References

[1] Bousquet, F. et al. Simulating Fishermen’s Society, In: Gilbert, N. and Doran, J. E. (Eds.)
Simulating Societies London: UCL Press, 1994.