Abstract
Modelling sociological theories requires conceptual integration, realistically quantified variables, and clearly specified relationships. To test theories by running such models against empirical time series the model must correlate with data, and also show visual fit between the trends.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Barlas, Y. (1996). Formal aspects of model validity and validation in System Dynamics. System Dynamics Review, 12 (3): 183–210.
Bronson, R., Jacobsen, C., and Crawford, J. (1988). Estimating functional relationships in a macro-sociological model. Mathematical Computing and Modeling, 11: 386–390.
Hamblin, R.L., Jacobsen, R.B., and Miller, J.L.L. (1973). A Mathematical Theory of Social Change. New York: Wiley.
Jacobsen, C., and Bronson, R. (1985) Simulating Violators. Baltimore, MD: The Operations Research Society of America.
Jacobsen, C., and Bronson, R. (1987). Defming sociological concepts as variables for System Dynamics modeling. System Dynamics Review, 3: 1–7.
Jacobsen, C.,and Bronson, R. (1995). Computer simulations and empirical testing of sociological theory. Sociological Methods and Research, 22 (4): 479–506.
Jacobsen, C., Bronson, R., and Vekstein, D. (1990). A Strategy for testing the empirical adequacy of macrosociological theories. Journal of Mathematical Sociology, 15: 137–148.
Jacobsen C., and House, R.J. (1992). The dynamics of charismatic leadership in organizations. Proceedings, International System Dynamics Conference. Utrecht, Holland, 267–276.
acobsen, C., and Samuel, Y. (1989). Planned organizational change: Theory, model, data and simulation. Computer-based Management of Complex
Systems,edited by P.M. Milling and E.O.K. Zahn. Berlin: Springer, 104–110.
Leik, R.K., and Meeker, B.F. (1975). Mathematical Sociology. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Wirth, L. (1938). Urbanism as a way of life. American Journal of Sociology, 44: 3–24.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1997 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this paper
Cite this paper
Jacobsen, C., Bronson, R. (1997). Computer Simulated Empirical Tests of Social Theory: Lessons from 15 Years’ Experience. In: Conte, R., Hegselmann, R., Terna, P. (eds) Simulating Social Phenomena. Lecture Notes in Economics and Mathematical Systems, vol 456. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-03366-1_7
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-03366-1_7
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-63329-7
Online ISBN: 978-3-662-03366-1
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive