Modeling social behavior: mathematical and agent-based models of social dynamics and cultural evolution

In: Social science, cognitive science, evolution

Abstract

"Some of the most pressing questions of our time concern how groups behave, from political polarization and cooperation to collective action, social influence and cultural evolution. This book is intended to equip scholars in the social, behavioral, and cognitive sciences with a toolkit for thinking about and studying social dynamics using mathematical and computational models. Currently, there are two approaches for modeling social dynamics: mathematical models and agent-based models. In this book, Smaldino treats the two traditions as complementary, rather than separate. Combining theory-driven instruction on key mathematical and agent-based models of social dynamics and cultural evolution with practical, specific examples of how to use models, the book offers an introduction to both kinds of modelling and shows readers how to build their own models, analyze them, and integrate them with empirical research.The book assumes minimal background in either programming or advanced mathematics."--