CONFLICT, INTERFERENCE AND AGGRESSION: COMPUTER SIMULATION OF A SOCIAL PROCESS
Abstract
Programs can be writtenproduce results from field research and, based on these results, various situations which yield theoretically relevant data can be examined in detail. Simu lator programs appear to have two main advan tages: first, they permit utilization of the favorable characteristics of high-speed compu ters, that is, speed, accuracy, control of varia bles, etc.; second, and most important, they permit the researcher to test hypotheses de duced from theory. As experimentation progresses and experience accumulates, it should be possible to design and carry out highly sophisticated simulator programs. It is clear that simulation is not supposed to replace field research, but to supplement it. The increased usefulness of simulators will depend upon technological im provements in development of computers, but also, especially for social scientists, upon the in creasing accuracy and scope of social research in the field. In sum, computer simulation is a relatively new research tool and like question naire, psychometric examinations, etc., it has certain limitations, but also great potential for the advancement of knowledge in social science.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 23, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0404052
Entities
People
- Rodney M. Coe
Organizations
- Washington University in St. Louis