What is it about?
Using a specific type of computational modeling and simulation called "agent-based modeling," this short conference paper reports the results of conducting virtual experiments (simulations) to test the extent to which potential victims who resist a gunman might change outcomes of active shooter scenarios.
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Why is it important?
Few computational models of mass shootings exist, and gun violence and mass shootings are particularly polarized topics. This model aimed to be explicit about assumptions and is constructed to be adjustable by subject-matter experts and others who have different assumptions. It is difficult to conduct research on mass shootings, so computational modeling and simulation offer an empirical research method that helps to study and better understand the phenomenon and to test thought experiments.
Perspectives
This was an early publication that grew out of work for a military agent-based modeling course. It is a "tactical" model, based on simulations of combat, but adapted for what is increasingly a civilian phenomenon (mass shootings). I have made the model available for others to download, run, and change parameters, as well as to be extended and used by others in their research.
Tom Briggs
George Mason University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Active shooter: An agent-based model of unarmed resistance., Journal of Threat Assessment and Management, September 2019, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/tam0000126.
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