On generating hypotheses using computer simulations

Computational modeling is increasingly being used to do theory development. Computer simulation, numerical estimation, and emulation models are used to describe complex systems and generate a series of hypotheses about the behavior of these systems under different scenarios. These hypotheses can serve as guides to the design of human laboratory experiments and can suggest what data to collect in field and gaming situations. Models that are particularly useful in this venue are process models of nonlinear systems where multiple factors dynamically interact. This article describes these models and illustrates how they can be used to generate a series of hypotheses that guide future endeavors.