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Building Empirically Plausible MAS 115particular theory constructs in mind, rendering them unsuitable for reuse. Totake an example, what is the role of “conversation” in social networks? Simulationusually represents information transmission through networks as broadcastingof particulate information. In practice, little information transmissionis unilateral or particulate. What impact does the fact that people conversehave on their mental states? We know about the content of debates (discourseanalysis) and the dynamics of attitudes (social psychology) but almost nothingabout the interaction between the two.Data Collection as a Design Principle: Proliferation of MAS architecturessuggests that we need to reduce the search space for social simulation. In appliedproblems, this is done by pragmatic considerations: cost, speed and “elegance”.For descriptive simulations, the ability to collect data may serve a correspondingrole. It is always worth asking why MAS need unobtainable data. The reasonsmay be pragmatic but if they are not, perhaps the architecture should be madeless dependent on theoretical constructs so it can use data already collected foranother purpose.Constructive Ignorance: The non-theoretical approach also suggests importantresearch questions obscured by debates over theoretical constructs. Forexample, do people transmit evaluations of things they don’t care about? Whatis the impact of genuine dialogue on information transmission? When doesphysical distance make a difference to social network structure? Answers tothese questions would be useful not just for innovation diffusion but in debatesabout socialisation, group formation and stratification. Formulating questionsin relatively non-theoretical terms also helps us to see what data collection techniquesmight be appropriate. Recognising our ignorance (rather than obscuringit in abstract debates about theory constructs) also helps promote a healthyhumility!In conclusion, focusing MAS design on data collection may not resolve thedifficulties of understanding complex systems, but it definitely provides a novelperspective for their examination.Notes1. This example illustrates the meaning of “theory” in social science. A theory is a set of observedregularities (revolutions) explained by postulated social processes (exploitation of the proletariat, formationof worker groups, recognition that revolution is necessary).2. The problem has recently been recognised (Hedström and Swedburg 1998) but the role of simulationin solving it is still regarded with scepticism by the majority of social scientists.References[1] Bousquet, F. et al. Simulating Fishermen’s Society, In: Gilbert, N. and Doran, J. E. (Eds.)Simulating Societies London: UCL Press, 1994.