Linking Empirical Data to Continuous-Time, Continuous-State Computer Simulation

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-1993

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/089443939301100104

Abstract

A schism exists between the empirical testing of dynamic models and the dynamic modeling of social theory Although the methods of longitudinal data analysis are powerful, important problems persist in the collection and analysis of data. A method of testing dynamic models is introduced that counters some of the problems of stochastic models. The empirically parameterized, computer-assisted, continuous-time, continuous-state deterministic simulation method provides strengths not available with other methods. the use of meta-analysis and computer simulation allows the analysis of time shapes and general tends, while keeping independent the theory formalization, methods, and data used to test the theory.

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