ANNOUNCE CFP Model Validation ISA Naples September

[<ybarlas@boun.edu.tr>]

Posted by <ybarlas@boun.edu.tr>

Dear friends
I have been asked by a colleague to be a co-organizer of a model validity
session at a conference in Naples-Italy in September 08. Cor van Dijkum
invited me because he is interested in particular in receiving papers dealing
system dynamics approach to model validation. If you are interested I encourage
you to contact me or Cor van Dijkum directly. Call for papers attached.
best wishes
Yaman Barlas

----- Forwarded message from cor van dijkum <c.vandijkum@fss.uu.nl> -----

Dear Prof. Barlas,
As you may have noticed, the deadlines for abstract
submission for our session is extended until the end of February.
There are a number of colleagues who announced to participate,
but their abstract will be submitted later.
On your side, are their colleagues who want to join
our session? I am looking forward to that.
I have included the call for papers with the changed
submission date, to facilitate your search for participants.
Best wishes,
Cor van Dijkum


Cor van Dijkum
Department of Methodology and Statistics
Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University
Heidelberglaan 1, De Uithof, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Website: www.fss.uu.nl/ms/cvd


CALL FOR PAPERS FOR A SESSION:
Validation of Simulation Models
on the:
Interims meeting of the ISA (International Sociological Association)
Research Committee 33 (RC33) on “Logic and Methodology in Sociology”,
September 1-5, 2008, in Naples, Italy
http://www.rc332008.unina.it/
Session Organizers:
Cor van Dijkum
Department of Methodology and Statistics
Utrecht University
c.vandijkum@fss.uu.nl
http://www.fss.uu.nl/ms/cvd/
Yaman Barlas
Department of Industrial Engineering
Bogazici University
Turkey
ybarlas@boun.edu.tr
In the struggle of the social sciences to describe and explain the dynamics of human behaviour,
theories and models play an important role. Social scientists such as Fechner (1889), Coleman
(1964), Buckley (1967), Forrester (1968), Blalock (1969), Hanneman (1988), van der Zouwen
(1997), van der Zouwen & van Dijkum (2001) made a plea for theories in which behaviour is
dynamically understood and as a consequence mathematically modelled in differential equations.
However as is the case with SEM models one of the greatest methodological challenges is the
validation that will say the verification and falsification of those models with the aid of empirical
facts.
Concerning SEM models a number of quantitative fitting procedures and measurements are
developed of which still is not yet clear (Satorra, 2007, ESRA Conference Prague) which are
scientific acceptable. An ongoing discussion for developers of (continuous) simulation models,
especially when they are non linear, is how to apply those statistical measurements of fit for
their research practice in which they deal with (discrete) time series. A method in which the
statistical comparison of data with a model is handled in a more dynamic way by a (extended)
kalmanfilter (Singer 2007) seems more adequate.
In this session a more global approach of modern system dynamics (Barlas, 2007, OR conference,
Prague) is followed. It is argued that quantitative estimations of fit are only making sense when
they are accompanied by procedures of qualitative validation. Qualitative validation seems to be
a matter of pattern recognizing, a technique for which mathematical reasoning (topology) can be
useful and for which software is developed. The challenge is thereby formulated as the question:
how to validate simulation models with a combination of qualitative and quantitative
procedures?
In this session researchers from the social sciences, but also from the natural sciences, are invited
to present the way:
1. they try to validate their simulation models, qualitative and quantitative;
2. they handle methodological problems;
3. how this facilitate the application of the model in their field of research.
Focusing on one point of interest is also fine.
Keywords: model, simulation, qualitative validation, quantitative validation, fitting
Deadline for abstracts: February 29, 2008. Mail to c.j.vandijkum@uu.nl
Location: Università “Federico II” di Napoli, one of the most ancient
universities in Europe (in 1224, the Holy Roman Emperor
and King of Sicily Frederick II had founded the first publicly
funded University in Naples), although the conference
will take place in the modern campus known as Monte
Sant’Angelo.
morning will be devoted to tutorials.
Further information and updates: http://www.rc332008.unina.it/
The fees:
RC33-Members: 160 € + 5 € (administration costs)
RC33-Non-members: 190 € + 5 € (administration costs)
Students: 100 € + 5 € (administration costs)
Participants from countries in transition: 100 € + 5 € (administration costs)
Non-academics: 200 € + 5 € (administration costs)
Later registrants (after May, 10th): + 40 €
The fee includes all conference materials, reception first evening, all soft drinks, coffee and tea during the
breaks; the fee for non-members also includes a two-year membership with RC33 (for more details on
RC33, see: http://www.rc33.org
Posted by ybarlas@boun.edu.tr
posting date Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:41:13 +0200
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