Introduction: computer-based methods: State of the art

• Authors: Desmond Saunders-Newton
• Venue: Social Science Computer Review - Computer-based methods: State of the art
• Year: 2002

This introduction attempts to convey a sense of the possible, or near possible, with respect to the cutting edge of computer-based methods supporting social science research and inquiry. In addition, it is also intended to reflect computationally inspired perspectives, metaphors, models, and theories that may affect society. To that end, this article, through the introduction of the authors who contributed to this volume, explores the role played by agency-level computational methods, as opposed to aggregate level, in reshaping the practice and use of social science/inquiry. Agency-focused methods as used in this introduction not only emphasize the action of agents within an artificial environ but also attempt to encompass approaches beyond the cellular automata methods typically associated with agent-based modeling environments.