Qualitative modeling of complex systems: an introduction to loop analysis and time averaging [modelling]

Charles J. Puccia and Richard Levins

ISBN 10: 0674741102 / ISBN 13: 9780674741102

Published by Harvard University Press, 1985

About this Item

**While the stock image at left provided by Abebooks pictures the dust jacket's front panel, my copy lacks the dust jacket.** Deaccessioned from a Harvard University library; bookplate has been x'ed out and the X has rubbed off onto the free front endpaper; binding has wear; corners bumped; top outer edge has soil; tight, text clean. viii, [2], 259 p., illustrated [ato strs]. Seller Inventory # 900900

Bibliographic Details

Title: Qualitative modeling of complex systems: an ...

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Publication Date: 1985

Binding: Original Blue Cloth

Condition: Ex-library (Good)

Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket

Edition: First Printing.

About this title

Synopsis:

In this modern era of mathematical modeling, applications have become increasingly complicated. As the complexity grows, it becomes more and more difficult to draw meaningful conclusions about the behavior of theoretical models and their relations to reality. Alongside methods that emphasize quantitative properties and the testing of scientific details, there is a need for approaches that are more qualitative. These techniques attempt to cover whole families of models in one bold stroke, in a manner that allows robust conclusions to be drawn about them.

Loop analysis and time averaging provide a means of interpreting the properties of systems from the network of interactions within the system. The authors' methodology concentrates on graphical representation to guide experimental design, to identify sources of external variability from the statistical pattern of variables, and to make management decisions.

Although most of the examples are drawn from ecology, the methods are relevant to all of the pure and applied sciences. This relevance is enhanced by case studies from such diverse areas as physiology, resource management, the behavioral sciences, and social epidemiology. The book will be useful to a broad readership from the biological and social sciences as well as the physical sciences and technology. It will interest undergraduate and graduate students along with researchers active in these disciplines. Here the reader will find a strong rationale for maintaining a holistic approach, revealing what insights and advantages are retained by the broader perspective and, more explicitly, by the synergistic effects that cannot be discerned by reducing systems to their smallest parts.

About the Authors:

author>Charles J. Puccia is in the Department of Population Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health.

Richard Levins is John Rock Professor of Population Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health.