Simulating Residential Segregation Dynamics: Phase II

描述(由申请者提供)：种族隔离是美国城市的一个持久特征。居住位置和邻里环境是影响个人、家庭和少数民族生活机会的重要因素。有两个问题阻碍了人们对隔离模式及其形成因素的普遍理解。首先，研究文献依赖于从专门的数据集计算的技术、量化指数来记录隔离模式和趋势。第二，探索假定的隔离决定因素(市场力量、城市的空间和人口结构、家庭偏好、歧视施加的限制等)的影响的传统方法。需要高级数据分析技能。为了克服这些问题，德克萨斯农工大学的马克·福塞特编写了一个名为SimSeg的计算机程序，该程序使用直观的图形演示来帮助学生理解种族隔离模式，并利用模拟能力来帮助研究人员探索关于种族隔离模式决定因素的不同理论。在第二阶段，Amber Waves Software和德克萨斯A&M将完善和扩展SimSeg模型，具体包括：1)提高其表示美国城市空间和人口结构的能力，2)增强其家庭居住选择模型，3)使模型能够代表任何一组种族，4)开发工具，使学生、研究人员和社会科学专业人员能够构建自己的模拟场景，5)与外部社会学家合作，以确保SimSeg模型的科学价值，以及6)进行广泛的内部验证和外部验证练习。此外，Amber Waves软件公司和德克萨斯A&M公司将建立一个基于真实城市的模拟场景库，并开发广泛的SimSeg模型技术文档。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Ethnic residential segregation is an enduring feature of American cities. Residential location and neighborhood context are important factors that affect the life chances of individuals, families, and minorities. Two problems hinder general understanding of segregation patterns and the forces that shape them. First, the research literature relies on technical, quantitative indices computed from specialized data sets to document segregation patterns and trends. Second, conventional methodologies for exploring effects of hypothesized determinants of segregation (market forces, the spatial and demographic organization of cities, household preferences, constraints imposed by discrimination, etc.) require advanced data analysis skills. To overcome these problems Mark Fossett of Texas A&M University authored SimSeg, a computer program that uses intuitive graphical presentations to help students comprehend segregation patterns and simulation capabilities to help researchers explore different theories about the determinants of segregation patterns. In Phase II, Amber Waves Software and Texas A&M will refine and extend the SimSeg model by: 1) improving its ability to represent the spatial and demographic structure of American cities, 2) enhancing its model of household residential choices, 3) enabling the model to represent any set of ethnic groups, 4) developing tools that will enable students, researchers, and social science professionals to build their own simulation scenarios, 5) working with outside sociologists to ensure the scientific merits of the SimSeg model, and 6) conducting extensive internal verification and external validation exercises. Additionally, Amber Waves Software and Texas A&M will build a library of simulation scenarios based on real cities and develop extensive technical documentation of the SimSeg model.