Abstract: A method for assigning an attribute to an agent for use in an agent-based model, including receiving or selecting a first numerical value for assigning an attribute of an agent in an agent-based model. The method further includes receiving or selecting a random numerical value, blending the first and random numerical values, resulting in an intermediate value, and blending the intermediate result with the first numerical value, or the random numerical value, or with a second numerical value, resulting in an end value. The method further includes utilizing the end value to assign the attribute of the agent in the agent-based model.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method for optimizing a parameter in an agent-based model including running an agent-based simulation based upon a set of parameters to provide an outcome. The method further includes determining an error of the outcome, and automatically determining a revised value for one of the parameters of the set of parameters, which revised value is selected to reduce error attributed to the one of the parameters. The method also includes re-running the simulation utilizing the revised value of the one of the parameters.

Abstract: A method for assigning an attribute to an agent for use in an agent-based model, including receiving or selecting a first numerical value for assigning an attribute of an agent in an agent-based model. The method further includes receiving or selecting a random numerical value, blending the first and random numerical values, resulting in an intermediate value, and blending the intermediate result with the first numerical value, or the random numerical value, or with a second numerical value, resulting in an end value. The method further includes utilizing the end value to assign the attribute of the agent in the agent-based model.

Abstract: A method for modeling agent awareness in an agent based model, the method including the steps of tracking a ratio of indicators for each agent and varying the ratio of indicators for an agent upon the occurrence of a triggering event for that agent. The method further includes using the ratio as a factor to model the agent's awareness.