On recommending computational modeling

Computational modeling brings unique and critical contributions to behavioral and social research. Computational modeling can transform logic models into dynamic models and helps formalize complex theory construction. Computational modeling opens new vistas in data designs and data analysis. Computational models allow us to explore systems not in dynamic equilibrium, to understand the implications of different initialization conditions, to examine complex system synergies through process decomposition, and to provide policy-related tools such as counterfactual simulations.