A computer simulation method is provided for modeling the behavioral
expression of one or more agents in an environment to be simulated, then
running a simulation of the modeled agent(s) against real-world
information as input data reflecting changing conditions of the
environment being simulated, and obtaining an output based on the modeled
agent(s) response(s). The simulation method models the underlying
cultural, social, and behavioral characteristics on which agent behaviors
and actions are based, rather than modeling fixed rules for the agent's
actions. The input data driving the simulation are constituted by
real-world information reflecting the changing conditions of the
environment being simulated, rather than an artificial set of predefined
initial conditions which do not change over time. As a result, the
simulation output of the modeled agent's responses to the input
information can indicate more accurately how that type of participant in
the simulated environment might respond under real-world conditions.
Simulations can be run on global networks for agent types of different
cultures, societies, and behaviors, with global sources of information.
Simulation environments can include problems and situations in a wide
range of human activity. Robust new visual tools are provided for
discerning patterns and trends in the simulation data, including waveform
charts, star charts, grid charts, and pole chart series.