Qualitative Scientific Modeling and Loop Analysis

Loop analysis is a method of qualitative modeling anticipated by Sewall Wright (1921) and systematically developed by Richard Levins. In Levins’ (1966) distinctions between modeling strategies, loop analysis sacrifices precision for generality and realism. Besides criticizing the clarity of these di...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inPhilosophy of science Vol. 72; no. 5; pp. 1272 - 1286
Main Author Justus, James
Format Journal Article Conference Proceeding
LanguageEnglish
Published Chicago, IL The University of Chicago Press 01.12.2005
University of Chicago Press
Cambridge University Press
Subjects
Communities
Community
Conceptualization
Criticism
Ecological balance
Ecological modeling
Ecology
Ecosystem models
Epistemology. Philosophy of science. Theory of knowledge
Idealization
Interdisciplinary research
Mathematical modeling
Mathematical models
Modeling
Modelling
Philosophy
Philosophy of science
Qualitative analysis
Quantitative modeling
Research methodology
Science
Species
Statistical analysis
Model
Science philosophy
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Loop analysis is a method of qualitative modeling anticipated by Sewall Wright (1921) and systematically developed by Richard Levins. In Levins’ (1966) distinctions between modeling strategies, loop analysis sacrifices precision for generality and realism. Besides criticizing the clarity of these distinctions, Orzack and Sober (1993) argued qualitative modeling is conceptually and methodologically problematic. Loop analysis of the stability of ecological communities shows this criticism is unjustified. It presupposes an overly narrow view of qualitative modeling and underestimates the broad role models play in scientific research, especially in helping scientists represent and understand complex systems.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-1
content type line 23
ISSN:0031-8248
1539-767X
DOI:10.1086/508099