Justus, James (2004) Qualitative Scientific Modeling and Loop Analysis. In: UNSPECIFIED. (In Press)

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Abstract

Loop analysis is a method of qualitative modeling anticipated by Sewall Wright 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.

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Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Justus, James
Keywords:	models and idealization, loop analysis, qualitative analysis, feedback, stability
Subjects:	General Issues > Models and Idealization Specific Sciences > Biology > Ecology/Conservation
Depositing User:	James Justus
Date Deposited:	15 Sep 2004
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:12
Item ID:	1955
Public Domain:	No
Subjects:	General Issues > Models and Idealization Specific Sciences > Biology > Ecology/Conservation
Date:	2004
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/1955

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• Qualitative Scientific Modeling and Loop Analysis. (deposited 15 Sep 2004) [Currently Displayed]
  • Qualitative Scientific Modeling and Loop Analysis. (deposited 18 Sep 2004)

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