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How to conduct more systematic reviews of agent-based models and foster theory development - Taking stock and looking ahead
Citation Link: https://doi.org/10.15480/882.9092
Publikationstyp
Journal Article
Publikationsdatum
2024-02
Sprache
English
Enthalten in
Volume
173
Article Number
105867
Citation
Environmental Modelling and Software 173: 105867 (2024-02)
Publisher DOI
Scopus ID
Publisher
Elsevier
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.
Schlagworte
Agent-based modeling
Cumulative science
Literature review
Model design
Systematic literature review
Theory development
DDC Class
500: Science
Publication version
publishedVersion
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Name
1-s2.0-S1364815223002530-main.pdf
Type
main article
Size
4.09 MB
Format
Adobe PDF