Because agent-based modeling employes a unique approach to modeling behavior that focusses on individual level behavior and decision-making, it is an invaluable tool for investigating the evolution of social behavior.  The agent-based approach is quickly becoming a standard tool for systems that are driven by individual behavior and local interactions, and there is now a standard protocol for describing agent-based models [link to ODD protocol developed by Grimm et. al.].

Social Science Research

Agent-based simulations differ from analytical models in that aggregate dynamics emerge from the behavior of individual agents rather than being specified in the parameters of the model.  The process of creating an agent-based simulation involves programing the 'minds' of individual decision makers, including the input conditions, information processing rules and behavioral outputs.  This kind of approach can be useful for Psychologists, Biologists, Anthropologist, Sociologists and others interested in formal modeling of cognition, decision making, social interaction and the effects of these processes on aggregate level outcomes.   Agent-based Simulations can also be used to model the interacting components of a single system from a distributed engineering perspective.

Exploratory Science

Exploratory approaches to science can generate new, important findings and can create massive shifts in theoretical approaches to phenomena.  However, exploratory research on natural phenomena can be prohibitively costly in many disciplines.  The development and exploration of agent-based models provide a partial solution, allowing for inexpensive exploratory tool.  Because agent-based models require a formal specification of assumptions, they can also serve as a valuable companion to the scientist seeking to clearly and concisely articulate the important components of a theory or formal approach.  Lastly, agent-based simulations provide a computationally powerful scaffold for 'thought experiments' about natural phenomena.

Agent-Based Modeling Resources 

NetLogo

Popular, free and easy to use agent-based simulation software

SWARM

Open source, highly flexible software for agent-based modeling

Other Tools for Agent-Based Modeling

From the Swarm Wiki site, a comprehensive overview of agent-based modeling tools

Agent-Based Simulation Course

Website and course materials for NetLogo agent-based simulation class I developed and co-taught at Portland State University (to access the full course, enter id: guestww, password: guest)

Agent-Based Models, by Nigel Gilbert

This is an introduction to Agent Based Modeling and how to use ABM for research in the social sciences.

Open Agent Based Modeling Consortium

A resource for Agent-Based modelers with information about upcoming conferences, model archives and forums.

International Society for Artificial Life

Annual conference and several publications on the simulation and synthesis of life.

Computational Social Science Resources 

Center for Social Dynamics and Complexity, Arizona State

This interdisciplinary center applies complexity theory and computational approaches to research fundamental questions of social life.

Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems (NICO)

NICO's serves as a hub and facilitator for research in complexity science and is the home of NetLogo, a popular agent-based modeling program.

Center for Research in Social Simulation, University of Surry

CRESS is a multi-disciplinary center for the use of computer simulation (especially agent-based modeling) for research in the social sciences. 

Center for Human Complex Systems, UCLA

The goals of this center include understanding and simulating complex human systems using computational approaches.

Center for Social Complexity, George Mason

The CSC seeks to advance both theoretical and applied social science using computational approaches.  They offer a PhD program in computational social science.