The explanatory power of models : bridging the gap between empirical and theoretical research in the social sciences / edited by Robert Franck.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Franck, Robert.

Series:

Methodos series ; v. 1.

Methodos series ; v. 1

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Social sciences--Statistical methods.

Social sciences.

Social sciences--Mathematical models.

Social sciences--Research.

Physical Description:

ix, 309 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm.

Place of Publication:

Boston : Kluwer Academic Publishers, [2002]

Summary:

Empirical research often lacks theory. This book progressively works out a method of constructing models which can bridge the gap between empirical and theoretical research in the social sciences. This might improve the explanatory power of models. The issue is quite novel, and it benefited from a thorough examination of statistical and mathematical models, conceptual models, diagrams and maps, machines, computer simulations, and artificial neural networks. These modelling practices have been approached through different disciplines. The proposed method is partly inspired by reverse engineering. The standard covering law approach is abandoned, and classical induction restored to its rightful place. It helps to solve several difficulties which impact upon the social sciences today, for example how to extend an explanatory model to new phenomena, how to establish laws, and how to guide the choice of a conceptual structure. The book can be used for advanced courses in research methods in the social sciences and in philosophy of science.

Contents:

Part I Statistical Modelling and the Need for Theory

Chapter 1 The determinants of infant mortality: how far are conceptual frameworks really modelled? / Godelieve Masuy-Stroobant 15

Chapter 2 The role of statistical and formal techniques in experimental psychology / Guy Lories 31

Chapter 3 Explanatory models in suicide research: explaining relationships / Anne-Marie Aish - Van Vaerenbergh 51

Chapter 4 Attitudes towards ethnic minorities and and support for ethnic discrimination, A test of complementary models / Peer Scheepers, Genevieve Verberk, Albert Felling 67

Part II Computer Simulation and the Reverse Engineering Method

Chapter 5 Computer simulation methods to model macroeconomics / Armand de Callatay 105

Chapter 6 The explanatory power of Artificial Neural Networks / Michel Verleysen 127

Part III Models and Theory

Chapter 7 On modelling in human geography / Dominique Peeters 151

Chapter 8 The explanatory power of migration models / Marc Termote 165

Chapter 9 The role of models in comparative politics / Christine Mironesco 181

Chapter 10 Elementary mathematical modelization of games and sports / Pierre Parlebas 197

Part IV Epistemological Landmarks

Chapter 11 Computer modelling of theory, explanation for the 21st century / Thomas K. Burch 245

Chapter 12 The logicist analysis of explanatory theories in archaeology / Jean-Claude Gardin 267.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1402008678

OCLC:

50314943