The Explanatory Power of Models: Bridging the Gap between Empirical and Theoretical Research in the Social Sciences (Methodos Series (1))

This book progressively works out a method of constructing models which can bridge the gap between empirical and theoretical research in the social sciences. It aims to improve the explanatory power of models. The issue is quite novel, and has benefited from a thorough examination of statistical and mathematical models, conceptual models, diagrams and maps, machines, computer simulations, and artificial neural networks.

From the reviews:

"This book is first in a new series of collected essays on methodological problems and issues facing the social sciences. ... There are ... lots of enthusiastic supplementary commentaries from the editor in each part of the book ... . contains the most useful and also highest quality material: it is well worth reading. ... this book will find a useful place on the shelves of research libraries. Researchers interested in modelling approaches can reach for it ... ." (Myles Gould, Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design, Vol. 32 (5), 2005)