Methodological Implications of Complex Systems Approaches to Sociality: Simulation As a Foundation for Knowledge

There is growing advocacy for the adoption of computational methods as a substitute for, or complement to, traditional research methods, particularly for examining social phenomena derivative of organised complexity. This paper examines some of the reasons for this advocacy and the specific advantages of the method for studying such phenomena. It considers also the limitations and problems that need to be addressed if the method is to gain wider acceptance. In joining in the advocacy of these techniques, a framework is proposed which can assist with the incorporation of computational techniques in a broader methodological mix. Such a mix has the potential to harness the strengths of the method while offsetting some of its weaknesses.