Use of measurement theory for operationalization and quantification of psychological constructs in systems dynamics modelling

2016 Joint IMEKO TC1-TC7-TC13 Symposium: Metrology Across the Sciences: Wishful Thinking?

Fitkov-Norris, Elena^1 ; Yeghiazarian, Ara^1

Kingston Business School, Kingston University, KT2 7LB, United Kingdom^1

关键词: Analysis and simulation;    Analytical tool;    Human interactions;    Model calibration;    Simulation model;    Social science research;    Social scientists;    Systems dynamics;   

Others  :  https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/772/1/012023/pdf
DOI  :  10.1088/1742-6596/772/1/012023

来源: IOP

【 摘 要 】

The analytical tools available to social scientists have traditionally been adapted from tools originally designed for analysis of natural science phenomena. This article discusses the applicability of systems dynamics - a qualitative based modelling approach, as a possible analysis and simulation tool that bridges the gap between social and natural sciences. After a brief overview of the systems dynamics modelling methodology, the advantages as well as limiting factors of systems dynamics to the potential applications in the field of social sciences and human interactions are discussed. The issues arise with regards to operationalization and quantification of latent constructs at the simulation building stage of the systems dynamics methodology and measurement theory is proposed as a ready and waiting solution to the problem of dynamic model calibration, with a view of improving simulation model reliability and validity and encouraging the development of standardised, modular system dynamics models that can be used in social science research.