Overview

A comprehensive introduction to mathematical and agent-based modeling of social behavior This book provides a unified, theory-driven introduction to key mathematical and agent-based models of social dynamics and cultural evolution, teaching readers how to build their own models, analyze them, and integrate them with empirical research programs. It covers a variety of modeling topics, each exemplified by one or more archetypal models, and helps readers to develop strong theoretical foundations for understanding social behavior. Modeling Social Behavior equips social, behavioral, and cognitive scientists with an essential tool kit for thinking about and studying complex social systems using mathematical and computational models. Combines both mathematical and agent-based modeling of social behavior Integrates cognitive science, social science, and cultural evolution Covers topics such as the philosophy of modeling, collective movement, segregation, contagion, polarization, the evolution of cooperation, the emergence of norms, networks, and the scientific process Discusses more advanced topics, including how to use models to build a more robust empirical research program An ideal introductory textbook for graduate students or advanced undergraduates An invaluable resource for practitioners

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9780691224152

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Reviews

"""If you are interested in computational social sciences and how to model social and cultural dynamics, this is your book.""--Riccardo Fusaroli, Aarhus University ""This engaging book shows how modeling is essential for social scientists striving to clearly and precisely lay out theories of social behavior and useful for organizing empirical facts. It encourages students to learn by doing, taking them on a journey to develop models of segregation, epidemics, opinion dynamics, the evolution of cooperation, the formation of social networks, and more.""--Russell Golman, Carnegie Mellon University ""This is an excellent book. Smaldino provides an entertaining and accessible introduction to agent-based and mathematical modeling of human social behavior, convincingly making the case that formal models can and should be used to aid theory development in the social and behavioral sciences.""--Alex Mesoudi, author of Cultural Evolution: How Darwinian Theory Can Explain Human Culture and Synthesize the Social Sciences"

Author Information

Paul E. Smaldino is professor of cognitive and information sciences at the University of California, Merced, and external professor at the Santa Fe Institute.

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