Properties of Learning Models in Simulation Studies

Constructing basic theories of simulations

Abstract

     This article intends to clarify properties of learning models in simulation studies and to review existing learning models. Learning models are often used in many simulation studies, but there is no uniform rule of learning. We introduce three technical characters (monotonicity, conditions of probability, neutrality) and three rationality characters (rationality in fixed situations, rationality in first order stochastic domination, rationality with risk preference in stochastic situations). We examine Michael Macy's model, the Erev & Roth model and some other models, and find that these models have different properties. Though learning is treated as one solution of social dilemma from the results of Macy's model (Kollock, 1998), Macy's model is a peculiar learning model. Learning is not always a solution of social dilemma. In this manner, a comparison of learning models from a uniform point of view clarifies the properties of each model and helps to study the conformity of a learning model and human behaviors.