Comparing distinct approaches for panic behavior computer simulations: A theoretical analysis

Collective Behavior and the Panic in Crowds phenomena have been studied by distinct approaches through the years. Early researchers described collective behavior as erratic and non-institutionalized. These studies were improved up to a full classification of these behaviors and a broader view of those in ordinary life situations, such as spectators for a soccer game. This paper presents four theoretical approaches, observed in the literature, for the collective behavior and applied to explain the panic in crowd phenomenon. It also provides a comparative analysis of some computer social simulations, which are based in one of these approaches, aiming to outline common and distinct features.