Comparing Discrete Simulation and System Dynamics: Modeling an Anti-Insurgency Influence Operation

Authors

Wayne Wakeland, Portland State UniversityFollow
Una E. Medina, University of New Mexico

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

7-2010

Subjects

Terrorism -- Digital computer simulation, System analysis, Social science simulations

Abstract

This paper contrasts the tradeoffs of modeling the same dynamic problem at a micro scale and at a macro scale of analysis: discrete system simulation (DS) versus continuous system simulation or system dynamics (SD). Both are employed to model the influence of entertainment education on terrorist system decay, with implications for field application. Each method optimizes different design, scope/scale, data availability/accuracy, parameter settings, and system sensitivities. Whether the research served by the computer model is applied or theoretical, DS tends to be useful for understand low-level individual unit/step influences on system change over time, whereas SD tends to shine when a wide-angle focus upon sociological/aggregate change is required.

Description

Presented at the 28th International Conference of the System Dynamics

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/22118

Citation Details

Wakeland, Wayne and Medina, Una E., "Comparing Discrete Simulation and System Dynamics: Modeling an Anti-Insurgency Influence Operation" (2010). Systems Science Faculty Publications and Presentations. 76.
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/22118