Modeling Social Behavior: Mathematical and Agent-Based Models of Social Dynamics and Cultural Evolution

by Paul E Smaldino

A comprehensive introduction to mathematical and agent-based modeling of social behavior

This book provides a unified, theory-driven introduction to key mathematical and agent-based models of social dynamics and cultural evolution, teaching readers how to build their own models, analyze them, and integrate them with empirical research programs. It covers a variety of modeling topics, each exemplified by one or more archetypal models, and helps readers to develop strong theoretical foundations for understanding social behavior. Modeling Social Behavior equips social, behavioral, and cognitive scientists with an essential tool kit for thinking about and studying complex social systems using mathematical and computational models.

Genres: Science, Mathematics, Social Science

360 pages, Hardcover

Published October 3, 2023

Reviews

[Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the type of book that most people would read for fun. It is pretty deep and gets into the mathematics behind different types of models, including basic social networks. I found it insightful, and I appreciated the way the author walked through the mathematics by steps to help ensure you really get the key underlying concepts. Many of the examples are illustrated in the NetLogo software which you should definitely use to follow along.