Simulation validation: exploring the suitability of a simulation of cell division and differentiation in the prostate

Individual or agent-based simulation is an important tool for research involving understanding of complex systems. For a research tool to be useful, its use must be understood, and it must be possible to interpret the results of using the tool in the context of the research. This paper presents the partial validity argument for ongoing work on prostate cell simulation (a companion paper describes the models and implementation of the simulation). This is the basis for a discussion of issues in the validation of complex systems simulations used as scientific research tools.