18
Views
18
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

A strategy for testing the empirical adequacy of macro‐sociological theories

Pages 137-148 | Published online: 26 Aug 2010
 

We suggest testing macro‐sociological theories in a research strategy based on computer simulation. The verbal statement of the theory is transformed into a mathematical model, which is then run against a variety of time serial data sets to test its empirical adequacy. Alternative hypotheses may be tested in simulated experiments on the model. An example, applying this procedure to a theory of normative regulation, demonstrates its feasibility. A final section answers some of the recurrent objections that have been raised to the proposed strategy.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.