1. A method for assigning an attribute to an agent for use in an agent-based model, comprising: receiving or selecting a first numerical value for assigning an attribute of an agent in an agent-based model; receiving or selecting a random numerical value; blending the first and random numerical values, resulting in an intermediate value; blending the intermediate result with the first numerical value, or the random numerical value, or with a second numerical value, resulting in an end value; and utilizing the end value to assign the attribute of the agent in the agent-based model.