“…In particular, simulation involves creating computational representations (as a set of equations) of the underlying theoretical logic that links constructs together within a simplified world (Mollona, 2010;Fioresi and Mollona, 2011). These representations are then coded into software, through computational algorithms, that is run repeatedly for multiple time periods and under varying experimental conditions to explore the outcomes of interest (Davis et al, 2007;Harrison et al, 2007;Mollona and Marcozzi, 2009a). Simulation allows scholars to make assumptions explicit, control/varying variables, consider multiple chronological and historical paths over an extended period of time (Lomi et al, 2005(Lomi et al, , 2010Mollona and Hales, 2006;Mollona and Marcozzi, 2009b).…”