EVALUATION AND INNOVATION IN URBAN RESEARCH,
Abstract
Computer simulation is a relatively new methodology in the social sciences whose basic characteristics correspond quite well with the requirement to understand and manage complexly organized systems. However, the 'in principle' arguments advanced in support of the method have been insufficiently tempered by honest appraisal of the 'in practice' experiences registered to date. Thus a continuation of existing trends could have harmful effects both for the method and for greater processes of problem-solving in the social context. An initial problem is the development of an appraisal function, a series of questions or criteria, against which a computer simulation may be judged. Several possible components of such a function are discussed, stressing the so-called policy-assisting class of simulation models. Several innovative recommendations are advanced that might alleviate the identified problem and aid eventual realization of the in principle myth. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0711734
Entities
People
- Garry D. Brewer
Organizations
- RAND Corporation