Humanist Discussion Group, Vol. 16, No. 228.
Centre for Computing in the Humanities, King's College London
<http://www.princeton.edu/~mccarty/humanist/>
<http://www.kcl.ac.uk/humanities/cch/humanist/>
Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2002 07:11:45 +0100
From: Kluwer <Kluwer@Kluwer.m0.net>
Subject: new Kluwer book: The Explanatory Power of Models
Kluwer is pleased to announce the publication of the following title:
<http://kluwer.m0.net/m/s.asp?HB6972327600X1563388X128471Xwillard.mccarty%40kcl.ac.uk>The
Explanatory Power of Models
Bridging the Gap Between Empirical and Theoretical Research in the Social
Sciences
edited by
Robert Franck
Centre of Philosophy of Science, Universit Catholique de Louvain, Belium
<http://kluwer.m0.net/m/s.asp?HB6972327600X1563389X128471Xwillard.mccarty%40kcl.ac.uk>METHODOS
SERIES -- 1
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 AND CONTRIBUTORS
List of Authors. General Introduction; R. Franck.
Part I: Statistical
Modelling and the Need for Theory. Introduction to Part I; R. Franck.
1. The determinants of infant mortality: how far are conceptual frameworks
really modelled? G. Masuy-Stroobant.
2. The role of statistical and formal techniques in experimental
psychology; G.Lories.
3. Explanatory models in suicide research: explaining relationships; A.-M.
Aish-v. Vaerenbergh.
4. Attitudes towards ethnic minorities and support for ethnic
discrimination, A test of complementary models; P. Scheepers, et al.
Conclusions of Part I; R.Franck.
Part II: Computer Simulation and the Reverse Engineering
Method. Introduction to Part II; R. Franck.
5. Computer simulation methods to model macroeconomics; A. de Callata.
6. The explanatory power of Artificial Neural Networks; M. Verleysen.
Conclusions of Part II; R. Franck.
Part III: Models and Theory. Introduction to Part III; R. Franck.
7. On modelling in human geography; D. Peeters.
8. The explanatory power of migration models; M. Termote.
9. The role of models in comparative politics; C.Mironesco.
10. Elementary mathematical modelization of games and sports; P. Parlebas.
Conclusions of Part III; R. Franck.
Part IV:
Epistemological Landmarks. Introduction to Part IV; R. Franck.
11. Computer modelling of theory, explanation for the 21st century; T.K. Burch.
12. The logistic analysis of explanatory theories in archaeology; J.-C.
Gardin. Conclusions of Part IV; R. Franck. General Conclusion; R. Franck.
Subject Index. Name Index.
Hardbound ISBN: 1-4020-0867-8 Date: October 2002 Pages: 320 pp.
EURO 115.00 / USD 110.00 / GBP 74.00
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