Data Analysis of Social Simulations Outputs - Interpreting the Dispersion of Variables

In the domain of social simulation, there are very few papers reporting on the statistical analysis of simulation results, while it is very common in empirical social sciences. The paper advocates the recourse to the statistical analysis of social simulation outputs, as a very efficient way to improve the interpretation of simulation results and so the understanding of the system that is the model’s target. This is illustrated by the study of a simulation model designed to analyze a real case regarding the management of a river in South West of France. Several standard statistics methods are used to shed light on the possible outcomes of the debate between the stakeholders.