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Random walk effects in behavioral data
Author(s) -
Carlsson Gösta
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 0005-7940
DOI - 10.1002/bs.3830170504
Subject(s) - random walk , perspective (graphical) , class (philosophy) , outcome (game theory) , econometrics , psychology , binary number , computer science , mathematics , cognitive psychology , statistics , artificial intelligence , mathematical economics , arithmetic
Abstract This paper deals with random walk models and their possible application to psychological and sociological data. Such data may present a combination of apparent regularity and great difficulty of causal explanation. Random walk, implying the summation of individually small shocks or effects could account for both properties. As a special case a binary structure consisting of two interacting entities, each also influenced by an exogenous factor, is considered and ways of looking at the behavior of such systems suggested. Conventional techniques of analyzing variability rely heavily on stratification, e.g., by social class, as a means of determining the effects of environment. This method often performs rather poorly, and the outcome is put in the same perspective, and related to different conceptions of environment. Finally, developmental data and developmental correlations are examined from the same point of view.