Showing papers in "Social Science Computer Review in 1991"
TL;DR: An asymptotically correct algorithm whose complexity for fixed graph connectivity increases polynomially in the number of vertices, and may in practice recover sparse graphs with several hundred variables.
Abstract: Previous asymptotically correct algorithms for recovering causal structure from sample probabilities have been limited even in sparse causal graphs to a few variables. We describe an asymptotically...
781 citations
TL;DR: Back-propagation is more effective than other procedures, sometimes strikingly so, in correctly classifying the dependent, even when the amount of noise in the model is high, and ID3 is not consistently superior to procedures in the multiple linear general model (MLGH) family in terms of effectiveness, either for classification or for causal inference.
Abstract: New computer techniques for data analysis, notably the algorithms associated with neural networks and with expert systems, have not caught on to a significant extent in social science. To appraise these developments, an empirical assessment is conducted in which expert systems and neural network approaches are compared with multiple linear regression, logistic regression, effects analysis, path analysis, and discriminant analysis. A simple method of partitioning neural network output layer connections in terms of input nodes (corresponding to independent variables) is also presented, allowing neural net analysis for modeling as well as classification purposes. It is concluded that back-propagation (neural networks) is more effective than other procedures, sometimes strikingly so, in correctly classifying the dependent, even when the amount of noise in the model is high. Back-propagation was of less help, however, in causal inference. None of the techniques performed well by this important criterion. The I...
82 citations
TL;DR: This paper examines the dynamics of computerization in a PC-oriented research group through a case study and illustrates computerization strategies that are productive and unproductive.
Abstract: This paper examines the dynamics of computerization in a PC-oriented research group through a case study The time and skill in integrating computing into the labor processes of research are often significant "hidden costs" of computerization The key role played by computing infrastructure in reducing these costs may be enhanced by careful organization We illustrate computerization strategies that we have found to be productive and unproductive Appropriate computerization strategies depend as much on the structuring of resources and interests in the larger social setting as on a techmcal characterization of tasks Keywords: microcomputing, infrastructure, computer impacts, social impact of computing, training, computing support, computenzation and worklife
60 citations
TL;DR: Literature on computer use by the elderly is reviewed, with a focus on selected topics in five areas of special concern to elders: health care, work and retirement, communication and social interaction, life-style, and economics.
Abstract: As the proportion of Americans aged 65 and older increases, the study of technology and aging is emerging as an interdisciplinary field. Literature on computer use by the elderly is reviewed, with ...
45 citations
TL;DR: In split-sample tests using the Butterworth international conflict data set, the neural network outperforms both discriminant analysis and ID3 in terms of accuracy; it is roughly comparable in accuracy to multinomial logit.
Abstract: This article uses a neural network to predict international conflict outcomes, comparing its accuracy to that of models constructed using discriminant analysis, logit analysis, and the rule-based ID3 algorithm. While neural networks originally attracted attention because they mirrored the structure of biological nervous systems, they are used increasingly to solve practical problems of prediction and classification. Neural networks may also be important for modeling international behavior because of structural similarities with some organizational processes used to determine foreign policy. In split-sample tests using the Butterworth international conflict data set, the neural network outperforms both discriminant analysis and ID3 in terms of accuracy; it is roughly comparable in accuracy to multinomial logit. The neural network is less successful than discriminant and logit at predicting nonmodal values of the dependent variable. The variables identified as important in the neural network appear to be si...
45 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the early development of the home computer in Britain is discussed, focusing particularly on the sahence of the first "boom" years, and the symbolic and collective nature of home computmg.
Abstract: This article first outlines the early development of the home computer in Britain, focusing particularly on the sahence of the first "boom" years. Based on later interviews with users, we illustrate the symbolic and collective nature of home computmg. We show that there were, in fact, competing conceptions of the role of this product. Producer debates about these were also reflected in consumer evaluations. Finally, we argue that it would be wrong to evaluate early British micros in too narrowly utilitarian terms—the utility of other technological products has also had to be constructed by producers and consumers. Keywords: adoption, Britain, consumption, history, hobby, home, microcomputer, production.
36 citations
TL;DR: It is proposed to compare the performance of a parallel distributed processing system with an operational time series model to predict mean length of service (LOS) in a military personnel system.
Abstract: We propose to compare the performance of a parallel distributed processing system with an operational time series model to predict mean length of service (LOS) in a military personnel system After testing a simple model to gauge the suitability of neural networks for pattern recognition, various standard network types were tested, including Adaline, counterpropagation, and backpropagation. The networks are being tested to see if they can provide forecasts that are more sensitive to turning point fluctuations than standard time series models Keywords: neural nets, forecasting, time series analysis
15 citations
TL;DR: The instructional response to microcomputers has been uneven due to two unresolved pedagogical issues surrounding software and to address these issues requires a much clearer link between software design and instructional efficacy and a much better understanding of student learning styles.
Abstract: The instructional response to microcomputers has been uneven due to two unresolved pedagogical issues surrounding software: (1) we do not know how to use software to integrate and extend the economics curriculum, and (2) we do not know how to structure software instruction to support different ways students learn. To address these issues requires a much clearer link between software design and instructional efficacy and a much better understanding of student learning styles. Keywords: computer-assisted instruction, learning effectiveness, learning styles, microcomputer, software, teaching effectiveness.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors attempt to capitalize on the wealth of gaming experiences already residing in each nation and to accelerate the management education and development process by encouraging the joint use and adaptation of the gaming tools and techniques already existing in these nations.
Abstract: Europe's former Soviet bloc countries have begun to implement market-based restructurings of their economies. The use of experiential learning techniques in general, and the specific use of American-style, market-based management games, can be of particular interest and value to these nations as they begin to implement perestroika . The paper attempts to capitalize on the wealth of gaming experiences already residing in each nation and to accelerate the management education and development process by encouraging the joint use and adaptation of the gaming tools and techniques already existing in these nations. Keywords: Experiential learning; management education; management games; perestroika ; simulation.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the use of focus groups as a qualitative research method has received criticism, particularly concerning its lack of predictive validity, however, it has also been lauded for providing rich and in-depth information, and a study sought to enhance focus group research results by combining a computer assisted technology (Continuous Attitudinal Response Technology, CARTtm) and social scientific data collection techniques (national poll) in testing subjects' responses to Proposition 103, an insurance industry regulating initiative.
Abstract: The use of focus groups as a qualitative research method has received criticism, particularly concerning its lack of predictive validity. However, it has also been lauded for providing rich and in-depth information. This study sought to enhance focus group research results by combining a computer-assisted technology (Continuous Attitudinal Response Technology, CARTtm) and social scientific data collection techniques (national poll) in testing subjects' responses to Proposition 103, an insurance industry regulating initiative.1 Excerpts from television commercials, newscasts, and talk shows constituted the stimuli for focus group subjects. Results from use of the CARTtm system with focus group subjects confirmed those derived from the national poll, regarding the insurance controversy. However, processes inherent in the CARTtm technology allowed for more in-depth analysis and interpretation than the survey technique alone. Keywords: Computer, social science, continuous attitudinal response technology, surv...
10 citations
TL;DR: This paper explores how two relatively new methods, which may be categorized loosely as "artificial mtelligence" (AI) approaches, might be used in analyzing the relationship between socioeconomic data and democracy.
Abstract: This paper explores how two relatively new methods, which may be categorized loosely as "artificial mtelligence" (AI) approaches, might be used in analyzing the relationship between socioeconomic data and democracy. The ID3 algorithm is used as a preprocessor in the construction of neural networks which are used to predict the potential level of democracy of communist countries on the basis of socioeconomic variables for 147 countries.
TL;DR: The creation of several large databases is beginning to bring substantial increases in historical understanding, in family, urban, political, medieval and many other areas of history.
Abstract: Increasingly cheap and user-friendly computing has brought a massive increase in computer use by historians in the past 10 years. The formation of the Association for History and Computing in 1987 and the publication of its journal, History and Com puting, in 1989 has provided a focus for this activity. The creation of several large databases is beginning to bring substantial increases in historical understanding, in family, urban, political, medieval and many other areas of history. Text analysis and graphical databases promise further advances for historians. This activity receives necessary and increasing support from data archive work and computer-based teaching in history Keywords: Association for History and Computing, historical databases, text analysis, graphical databases, teaching and computers, data archives.
TL;DR: The role of computing in sociology is discussed and proposed ways in which computing can become more central and compelling applications of computer technology that open new areas for empirical and theoretical work are proposed.
Abstract: Sociology has not paid much attention to scholars working on new computer-related applications. A central reason is that sociologists doing computer applications have been content to work in peripheral areas and have not focused on applying new computer technology to central problems of the discipline. Particularly little attention has been paid to the development of "killer apps," compelling applications of computer technology that open new areas for empirical and theoretical work, and are so valuable that they overcome the sunk costs that tie researchers to conventional methods. This paper discusses the role of computing in sociology and proposes ways in which computing can become more central. Keywords: sociology, theory, methodology, reward system, killer apps, simulation, Boolean analysis, review articles.
TL;DR: The use of supercomputers to further humanistic research will help reintegrate the scientific and humanistic communities, which will be a significant accomplishment in its own right as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Though the supercomputing revolution has yet to have a significant impact on the humanities, it promises to do so in the near future. Technological improvements now make it possible to convert old records, such as U.S. manuscript census returns, to machine-readable form. This will allow historians and other social scientists to develop a better understanding of our nation's past. The use of supercomputers to further humanistic research will help reintegrate the scientific and humanistic communities, which will be a significant accomplishment in its own right. Hopefully the general public will also be able to participate in the supercomputmg revolution through humanistic endeavors like the U.S. census database project. Keywords: manuscript census, history supercomputmg, optical scanning, database.
TL;DR: This paper provides a general background for social scientists in technology traditionally relegated to computer science and engineering with a framework of understanding for elements of the knowledge domain of advanced microcomputing.
Abstract: This paper provides a general background for social scientists in technology traditionally relegated to computer science and engineering. A systems integration concept provides a framework of understanding for elements of the knowledge domain of advanced microcomputing The systems integration framework is viewed as a series of interrelated building blocks composed of the domain elements. These elements are the processor platform, operating system, display technology mass storage, application software, and human-computer interface. References come from recent articles in popular magazines and journals to help emphasize accessibility of this information, its technical appropriateness for the social scientist, and its transient currency. Keywords. systems integration, microcomputers, advanced computing, workstation technology microcomputing, workstations, advanced technology.
TL;DR: The authors assesses recent sociolinguistic research on human-computer interaction, including developments in the new sub-field of computer-supported cooperative work, which explores classic questions of shared understanding, mutual mtelligibility, and the relationship of human action to the social and material world.
Abstract: Driven by the metaphor of the computer as dialogue partner, the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) is turning to sociolinguistics—the study of language in social context—for theories, models, and methods. Likewise, sociolinguistics is turning to HCI as a new domain in which to explore classic questions of shared understanding, mutual mtelligibility, and the relationship of human action to the social and material world. This survey article assesses recent sociolinguistic research on human-computer interaction, including developments in the new subfield of computer-supported cooperative work. Keywords: human-computer interaction, computer-supported cooperative work, sociolinguistics, conversational analysis, cognitive anthropology, speech act theory, ethnography of speaking.
TL;DR: This essay reviews general computer-related technology trends over the next 10-15 years and probes the impact of advances in computers, software, and hardware on the field of psychological assessment.
Abstract: This essay reviews general computer-related technology trends over the next 10-15 years and probes the impact of advances in computers, software, and hardware on the field of psychological assessme...
TL;DR: The purpose of this article is to support the premise that the authonng software packages now available will contribute the needed ingredient for launching the rapid black boxing of the social science research process.
Abstract: From the perspective of the sociology of science, it appears that we have again reached a threshold in the progression of scientific advances when we can expect to see great strides toward the automation and routinization of additional parts of the research process. It is quickly becoming possible for a researcher trained in a particular type of research, but not trained in computer programming languages, to create a piece of software that instructs him/her on how to accomplish one or more parts of the research endeavor important to his/her ongoing work. With each such piece of software, we are moved closer to the "black boxing" of the entire research process. The purpose of this article is to discuss briefly science and black boxes, authoring and programming, substantive experts as authors, disciplinary diversity in research, and the evolution of authonng and black boxes to support the premise that the authonng software packages now available will contribute the needed ingredient for launching the rapid ...
TL;DR: Four areas of research and development will be discussed, including an integrated multimedia field-to-publication data management system, a relational database, image processing, and graphics applications.
Abstract: The Archaeological Computing Laboratory (ACL), a subdivision of the Graphics and Imaging Laboratory (GRAIL) in the Computer Science Department at Montana State University, specializes in archaeological applications of computer technology. Four areas of research and development will be discussed (1) an integrated multimedia field-to-publication data management system, (2) a relational database, (3) image processing, and (4) graphics applications Keywords database, graphics, image processing, archaeology computerized map generation, multimedia, visualization.
TL;DR: A prototype "world" model for instructional use, taking advantage of standard spreadsheets and a LAN, that can be used as a computer game, allowing the participants to seek optimal positions for their countries and/or for the world economy.
Abstract: Taking advantage of standard spreadsheets (Lotus 1-2-3) and a LAN, the authors describe a prototype "world" model for instructional use. Simple macro models of three countnes are linked through trade, price, and capital flow linkages. The model system can be used as a computer game, allowing the participants to seek optimal positions for their countries and/or for the world economy. Keywords: computer model, world model, macroeconomics, international trade, computer instruction.
TL;DR: This paper presents priorities for social science computing as identified by a survey of leading edge practitioners at the Conference on Advanced Computing in the Social Sciences held April 10-12, 1990 in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Abstract: This paper presents priorities for social science computing as identified by a survey of leading edge practitioners at the Conference on Advanced Computing in the Social Sciences held April 10-12, 1990 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Respondents gave top priority to "very large databases" and "friendlier interfaces"—priorities of concern outside the social sciences as well. They called for increased attention to funding and to personal recognition for computing work. They also voted strongly against proposals involving "great leaps forward." Keywords: social science computing priorities, interfaces, digital databases, career incentives.
TL;DR: Several stages of development for integrating computing content into the curricula of human-service schools and the issues in moving through these stages are described.
Abstract: A frequent complaint in human services is that practitioners do not use available computing applications. Many suggest that exposure to computing during one's professional training is crucial to later use. This paper discusses what human-service schools are doing to provide students with needed training and exposure to human-service computing. It describes several stages of development for integrating computing content into the curricula of human-service schools and the issues in moving through these stages. It is intended for human-service educators concerned with training future practitioners about computing. Keywords: information technology, human-service computing, technology education.
TL;DR: The authors of spss would like to correct any misconceptions about what spss is doing and is trying to do as a company to meet the current and future needs of its users.
Abstract: ence Computer Review for recent articles covering these topics. In particular, we believe that authors James H. Steiger and Rachel T Fouladi make an admirable attempt to identify and explore trends in their article, &dquo;Some Key Emerging Trends in Statistical and Graphical Software for the Social Scientist&dquo; (Winter 1990 issue). We feel, however, that this attempt falls short of thoroughly and accurately covering the products reviewed and fully discuss trends that affect not only users but vendors such as ourselves. Therefore, we would like to correct any misconceptions about what spss is doing and is trying to do as a company to meet the current and future needs of our users.
TL;DR: The ideology of the information age presents an unwarranted view that substantive social change is taking place: absent changes in the distribution of wealth and power, nationally and internationally, and the continuing monopoly on many kinds of information by capitalist corporations and states, no societal transformation is in the offing.
Abstract: nant ideology of the information age presents an unwarranted view that substantive social change is taking place: absent changes in the distribution of wealth and power, nationally and internationally, and the continuing monopoly on many kinds of information by capitalist corporations and states, no &dquo;real&dquo; societal transformation is in the offing. This general conclusion is also advanced by the conflictoriented authors of The Political Economy of Information, edited by Vincent Mosco and Janet Wasko (1988), and by the authors of the humanistically-oriented essays collected in The Myth of the Information Revolution, edited by Michael Traber (1986). Together with The Ideology of the Information Age, these three volumes form the core of an emerging literature which eloquently counterbalances mainstream conceptions of the information age. The collection will be of interest to social scientists, information scientists, communication researchers, and others whose research and scholarly interests encompass the emerging information age, either as proponents or opponents of the theory that &dquo;real&dquo; social change is taking place. (Reviewed by Don Wallace, Institute for Information Studies, Philadelphia, PA)
TL;DR: A three-dimensional dynamic model is being developed, based on a treelike topology, which will allow analysis of an extensive family database, including information from social, emotional, and physical domains, over many generations.
Abstract: This paper describes an interdisciplinary project in which techniques from the field of scientific data visualization are applied to the field of family psychotherapy. The model of Bowen theory a conceptual framework that treats the family as an organism, is the basis for this project Beginning with symbols and conventions from the genogram, a static diagram widely used for documenting family process, a three-dimensional dynamic model is being developed, based on a treelike topology. The system allows interactive analysis of this 3-D structure using a mouse and keyboard commands. An interactively movable "time-slice" in the structure gives rise to a motion picture of family symbols (similar to the genogram) which change through time. Upon further development, this system will allow analysis of an extensive family database, including information from social, emotional, and physical domains, over many generations. Keywords: data visualization, family systems theory genealogy genogram, interactive computer a...
TL;DR: This article reviews the major offerings of microcomputer software which have emerged in the growing field of global mapping, which includes fixed electronic atlas software, flexible desktop mapping software, and general education software incorporating maps.
Abstract: This article reviews the major offerings of microcomputer software which have emerged in the growing field of global mapping, which includes fixed electronic atlas software, flexible desktop mapping software, and general education software incorporating maps. The sophisticated analytical capabilities evidenced in these products makes them of increasing value to the university community, particularly in the political and social sciences, as well as to the government and business community. Keywords: mapping, atlas, geography, cartography (computer and microcomputer).