Modeling Social Behavior

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.

Combines both mathematical and agent-based modeling of social behaviorIntegrates cognitive science, social science, and cultural evolutionCovers topics such as the philosophy of modeling, collective movement, segregation, contagion, polarization, the evolution of cooperation, the emergence of norms, networks, and the scientific processDiscusses more advanced topics, including how to use models to build a more robust empirical research programAn ideal introductory textbook for graduate students or advanced undergraduatesAn invaluable resource for practitioners