Abstract
Based on a genetic algorithm a computer simulation was constructed to generate the process of development of time-use among large population samples across long time-spans. The simulation uses empirical time-use data to reconstruct empirically observed behaviors, and tests the impact of parameters representing economic constraints and behavioral preferences. Seeding the simulation with random data and probabilistic combination rules, we produced an archetypal society with the same essential characteristics as the empirical data. The addition of empirically derived and theoretical evolutionary selection pressures alters the development of patterns of time-use, revealing the interplay between inhibiting constraints and motivation to adopt new behaviors.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 120-143 |
| Number of pages | 24 |
| Journal | Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization |
| Volume | 62 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 2007 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This research was supported by The Israel Science Foundation founded by The Academy of Sciences and Humanities. Our thanks are also due to Mr. Avi Grushka for his contribution to the design and development of the project and to the anonymous reviewers of the manuscript who provided many thoughtful and constructive comments.
Keywords
- Computer simulations
- Evolutionary modeling
- Genetic algorithm
- Matching law
- Time-use
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Economics and Econometrics
- Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management