Chaos theory in the social sciences : foundations and applications / edited by L. Douglas Kiel and Euel Elliott.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Elliott, Euel W., 1951-

Kiel, L. Douglas, 1956-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Social sciences--Mathematical models.

Social sciences.

Chaotic behavior in systems.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (viii, 349 p. :) ill. ;

Place of Publication:

Ann Arbor, MI : University of Michigan Press, c1996.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Chaos Theory in the Social Sciences: Foundations and Applications offers the most recent thinking in applying the chaos paradigm to the social sciences. The book explores the methodological techniques--and their difficulties--for determining whether chaotic processes may in fact exist in a particular instance and examines implications of chaos theory when applied specifically to political science, economics, and sociology. The contributors to the book show that no single technique can be used to diagnose and describe all chaotic processes and identify the strengths and limitations of a variety of approaches. The essays in this volume consider the application of chaos theory to such diverse phenomena as public opinion, the behavior of states in the international arena, the development of rational economic expectations, and long waves. Contributors include Brian J. L. Berry, Thad Brown, Kenyon B. DeGreene, Dimitrios Dendrinos, Euel Elliott, David Harvey, L. Ted Jaditz, Douglas Kiel, Heja Kim, Michael McBurnett, Michael Reed, Diana Richards, J. Barkley Rosser, Jr., and Alvin M. Saperstein. L. Douglas Kiel and Euel W. Elliott are both Associate Professors of Government, Politics, and Political Economy, University of Texas at Dallas.

Contents:

Cover

Contents

Introduction

Part 1: Chaotic Dynamics in Social Science Data

1. Exploring Nonlinear Dynamics with a Spreadsheet: A Graphical View of Chaos for Beginners

2. Probing the Underlying Structure in Dynamical Systems: An Introduction to Spectral Analysis

3. Measuring Chaos Using the Lyapunov Exponent

4. The Prediction Test for Nonlinear Determinism

5. From Individuals to Groups: The Aggregation of Votes and Chaotic Dynamics

Part 2: Chaos Theory and Political Science

6. Nonlinear Politics

7. The Prediction of Unpredictability: Applications of the New Paradigm of Chaos in Dynamical Systems to the Old Problem of the Stability of a System of Hostile Nations

8. Complexity in the Evolution of Public Opinion

Part 3: Chaos Theory and Economics

9. Chaos Theory and Rationality in Economics

10. Long Waves 1790-1990: Intermittency, Chaos, and Control

11. Cities as Spatial Chaotic Attractors

Part 4: Implications for Social Systems Management and Social Science

12. Field-Theoretic Framework for the Interpretation of the Evolution, Instability, Structural Change, and Management of Complex Systems

13. Social Science as the Study of Complex Systems

References

Contributors.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references (pages 325-345).

Description based on information from the publisher.

ISBN:

9786612437670

9780472106387

0472106384

9781282437678

1282437674

9780472022526

0472022520

OCLC:

603985193