METHODOLOGY FOR POSTATTACK RESEARCH.
Abstract
The report discusses the methodology of postattack research. A hierarchical approach is described, in which the objects of analysis range from simple orgnaisms and artifacts to complex human societies and ecosystems. The notion of 'response' to a perturbation which is appropriate for simple systems is extended to encompass the wider notion of 'disutility' in describing the effects of a nuclear attack on the economy or the society of the nation as a whole. The appropriate uses of devices such as scenarios, games, case histories, metaphors and models for various purposes is discussed. The major point is that non-rigorous constructs may be extremely helpful in training, raising the level of the discussion, and generating insights, but cannot be used for predictive purposes as models can. A 'state-of-the-art' estimate of various models is included. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0639751
Entities
People
- Robert U. Ayres