Computational Experiments

A Bridge between Artificial Intelligence and Social Sciences

Xiao Xue, Fei-Yue Wang

• Publisher: Wiley-IEEE Press
• Edition: 1
• Year: 2026
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Print ISBN:
  9781394377459
• Subtopic: Data Modelling & Design
• eBook ISBN:
  9781394377466
• Index: Technology & Engineering

A methodological framework for bridging the gap between Artificial Intelligence and Social Sciences

Complex cyber-physical-social systems demand rigorous analysis, design, regulation and validation methods that traditional approaches cannot provide. Computational Experiments: A Bridge between Artificial Intelligence and Social Sciences delivers a systematic methodology spanning modeling, simulation, and validation of intelligent systems. Written by leading researchers in complex systems and artificial intelligence, this work provides both theoretical foundations and practical frameworks for studying intricate social and physical systems.

The book covers the artificial society modeling framework across four levels: AI agents and prospect theory, learning mechanisms of AI agents, AI society and social networks, and integration with environmental systems. It addresses how computational experiments incorporate generative agents and large language models, and explores policy sandboxes for decision analysis and social system behavior prediction in complex contexts.

The book also discusses:

• Comprehensive coverage of computational experiment methodology including origins, development history, and knowledge frameworks essential for practical applications
• Social simulation technology foundations providing unique insights into simulating and deducing complex social systems from interdisciplinary research perspectives
• Detailed exploration of AI agent architectures incorporating prospect theory, ??reinforcement learning mechanisms, and multi-agent coordination strategies for ??system modeling
• Frameworks for integrating virtual and real-world intelligence to improve predictive capabilities and support decision-making in complex operational environments

Designed for professors, researchers, and graduate students in computer science, artificial intelligence, social computing, and systems engineering, this book also serves professionals in policy simulation, strategic planning, and smart system development who require rigorous methods for validating intelligent system behavior.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Table of Contents
• Title Page
• Copyright
• About the Authors
• Preface
• 1 Origin and Goal of Computational Experiments
• 2 Computational Experiments for Physical Systems
• 3 Computational Experiments for Social Systems
• 4 Methodological Framework of Computational Experiments
• 5 The First Step — Building an Artificial Society
• 6 The Second Step — Constructing the Experimental System
• 7 The Third Step—Experimental Design and Generative Explanation
• 8 The Fourth Step — Experimental Analysis and Causal Inference
• 9 The Fifth Step — Maturity Evaluation of Computational Experiments
• 10 LLM-Based Agents and Social Simulation
• 11 Large Language Model Agents and Workflow
• 12 Roadmap of Computational Experiment Method
• A Appendix
• Index
• End User License Agreement