Graph Algebra: Mathematical Modeling With a Systems Approach

"Brown is well known for research on mathematical modeling in the social sciences. His book introduces the graph algebra approach to modeling systems in the social sciences. "

—CHOICE

Graph Algebra: Mathematical Modeling with a Systems Approach introduces a new modeling tool to students and researchers in the social sciences. Derived from engineering literature that uses similar techniques to map electronic circuits and physical systems, graph algebra utilizes a systems approach to modeling that offers social scientists a variety of tools that are both sophisticated and easily applied.

Key Features:

• Designed forreaders in the social sciences with minimal mathematical training: In this volume, the author assists readers in developing their own difference and differential equation model specifications
• Incorporates Social Theory: This book describes an easily applied language of mathematical modeling that uses boxes and arrows to develop very sophisticated algebraic statements of social and political phenomena. Graph algebra can be used to algebraically “flesh-out” even the most complicated and sophisticated of theories.
• Contains social science examples of graph algebra models: Social science readers can see many examples of how graph algebra can be used to model theories from a wide variety of substantive areas and disciplines. The book also describes how to estimate such models, and two examples are fully worked out.
• Explains linear and nonlinear model specifications using graph algebra from a social science perspective: Readers can move beyond simple linear regression models by using graph algebra.

This text is ideal for use in graduate courses such as Statistical Modeling, Quantitative Methods, and Applied Mathematics.

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Graph Algebra: Mathematical Modeling with a Systems Approach introduces a new modeling tool to students and researchers in the social sciences. Derived from engineering literature that uses similar techniques to map electronic circuits and physical systems, graph algebra utilizes a systems approach to modeling that offers social scientists a variety of tools that are both sophisticated and easily applied.

Key Features:

• Designed for readers in the social sciences with minimal mathematical training: In this volume, the author assists readers in developing their own difference and differential equation model specifications
• Incorporates Social Theory: This book describes an easily applied language of mathematical modeling that uses boxes and arrows to develop very sophisticated algebraic statements of social and political phenomena. Graph algebra can be used to algebraically "flesh-out" even the most complicated and sophisticated of theories.
• Contains social science examples of graph algebra models: Social science readers can see many examples of how graph algebra can be used to model theories from a wide variety of substantive areas and disciplines. The book also describes how to estimate such models, and two examples are fully worked out.
• Explains linear and nonlinear model specifications using graph algebra from a social science perspective: Readers can move beyond simple linear regression models by using graph algebra.

This text is ideal for use in graduate courses such as Statistical Modeling, Quantitative Methods, and Applied Mathematics.

Courtney Brown is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Emory University.  Dr. Brown has taught differential equation modeling to graduate and undergraduate students for 20 years.  His teaching and research interests also include other quantitative methods, political musicology, science fiction and politics, electoral behavior, political parties, democratic development, and politics and the environment.  He has authored three books that deal with differential equation models in the social sciences, including a title for the Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences series: Chaos and Catastrophe Theories (1995).