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Computational Social Psychology

Andrzej Nowak editor Robin R Vallacher editor Stephen J Read editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:5th Jun '17

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Computational Social Psychology cover

Computational Social Psychology showcases a new approach to social psychology that enables theorists and researchers to specify social psychological processes in terms of formal rules that can be implemented and tested using the power of high speed computing technology and sophisticated software. This approach allows for previously infeasible investigations of the multi-dimensional nature of human experience as it unfolds in accordance with different temporal patterns on different timescales. In effect, the computational approach represents a rediscovery of the themes and ambitions that launched the field over a century ago.

The book brings together social psychologists with varying topical interests who are taking the lead in this redirection of the field. Many present formal models that are implemented in computer simulations to test basic assumptions and investigate the emergence of higher-order properties; others develop models to fit the real-time evolution of people’s inner states, overt behavior, and social interactions. Collectively, the contributions illustrate how the methods and tools of the computational approach can investigate, and transform, the diverse landscape of social psychology.

'Computational Social Psychology is a scientific gem. In a world of constant change, we desperately need new theoretical models and tools to understand the complexity of human dynamics. This volume, edited by the world’s best dynamical social psychologists, with chapters from global experts on topics that span different levels of analysis, promises to change the way we think about—and study—human behavior.' - Michele J. Gelfand, University of Maryland, USA

'Our Big Data era demands Big Theory – theory acknowledging the core insight of social psychology, that human behavior flows from interactions among networks of individuals, dynamically influencing each other. As this volume argues, adequately complex theories require computational implementation, not vague verbal statements; unaided intuition cannot derive precise predictions.' - Eliot Smith, Indiana University, USA

'Computational modelling is an increasingly important way of doing science, and in some disciplines it has become the dominant method to understand the world. This important book shows how computational models can contribute to advances in social psychology that respect the complexity of human interactions.' - Nigel Gilbert, University of Surrey, UK

'Computational Social Psychology is a volume the field has been waiting for. It provides a launchpad for new theoretical approaches that can cope with the complexity of social reasoning and interpersonal behavior.' - Keith J. Holyoak, University of California, Los Angeles, USA

'I hope this book will serve as a pillar in further bridging the divide between computational scientists and social psychologists. Considering the challenges we face in modelling human behaviour in a valid way to deepen our understanding of many societal challenges, it is relevant to develop sound social psychological computational models. As such, I recommend this book as an important reference book for modellers to keep updated on the latest developments in the computational modelling of human behaviour.' - Wander Jager, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation:

ISBN: 9781138951655

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 550g

382 pages