The Mathematics of Behavior

by Earl Hunt

Mathematical thinking provides a clear, crisp way of defining problems. Our whole technology is based on it. What is less appreciated is that mathematical thinking can also be applied to problems in the social and behavioral sciences. This book illustrates how mathematics can be used to understand human and animal behavior, using examples in psychology, sociology, economics, ecology, and even marriage counseling.

Genres: Nonfiction

356 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really what I was hoping for. I'd rate it a three based just on what I was hoping for but for others it could easily be a five. I was hoping for an emphasis on economic modelling more than was present and to expand my knowledge of methods (or looking at problems in general) but that didn't really happen so much. I have created a lot of models in the past both in design engineering and related to other corporate functions ranging from diversity influences to attrition, sales, logistics, et al. Having said that, i can't find much to fault the author on. The text can get a little dry at times and he does tend to straddle the line between putting forward a good historical background and totally glossing over it. I would have preferred more historical background and depth or less. Either the history is important to the discussion or it isn't. Worth a read if you are interested in the subject.