Computer-Assisted Theory Building
Modeling Dynamic Social Systems
1st Edition
Published on 18. May 1988
Book
Hardback
354 pages
978-0-8039-2961-6 (ISBN)
Description
This volume provides a new set of tools for creating and analysing theories. Computer-Assisted Theory Building re-orients the way many social scientists build and work with theories -- and it will prove of value to all practising social science theorists. Because verbal formulations are insufficiently specific and mathematical formulations often too restrictive, the author proposes a new formal language as a middle way, advocating computer simulation models to allow the formulation of more dynamic theories.
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Content
PART ONE: SOCIAL DYNAMICS
Dynamics, Formal Theory and the Systems Approach
Constructing Dynamic Models of Social Systems
Systems Concepts
The Systems Dynamics Approach
The Toolbox
Special Functions for Dynamic Models
Complexity and Analyzabilty
Understanding Dynamics by Simulation
PART TWO: THE DYNAMICS OF SIMPLE SYSTEMS
Single State Systems
The Complexity of Control
Simple Processes
One Way Transitions, Growth and Diffusion
Simple Multistate Systems
Chain Models
Multistate Systems
The Behavior of Simple Chains
PART THREE: COMPLEX ACTION AND INTERACTION
A Two-Party Game
Arms Race Escalation
Individuals and Groups
Stress, Coping and Social Support
Systems and Subsystems
Alternative Views of Societal Dynamics
Conclusions
Dynamics, Formal Theory and the Systems Approach
Constructing Dynamic Models of Social Systems
Systems Concepts
The Systems Dynamics Approach
The Toolbox
Special Functions for Dynamic Models
Complexity and Analyzabilty
Understanding Dynamics by Simulation
PART TWO: THE DYNAMICS OF SIMPLE SYSTEMS
Single State Systems
The Complexity of Control
Simple Processes
One Way Transitions, Growth and Diffusion
Simple Multistate Systems
Chain Models
Multistate Systems
The Behavior of Simple Chains
PART THREE: COMPLEX ACTION AND INTERACTION
A Two-Party Game
Arms Race Escalation
Individuals and Groups
Stress, Coping and Social Support
Systems and Subsystems
Alternative Views of Societal Dynamics
Conclusions