[A] lot of the so-called ‘models’ in the social sciences are really just sophisticated kinds of curve-fitting, i.e. simulations. These activities are akin to the assertion that since a given curve can be approximated by a polynomial, it must be a polynomial. Stated otherwise, curve-fitting without a theory of the shape of the curve is simulation; model requires understanding of how and why a curve takes its shape.
— Aloisius LouieMore Than Life itself

Archive for August, 2008

Rosen papers to be available for download

Sunday, August 24th, 2008

Judith Rosen has announced that she is going to be making all of her father’s papers available for download from her website. The papers will be downloadable for free; however, Judith stipulates a certain proviso at the top of the web page:
IF my father’s work helps you to create work of your own that generates […]