Simulation Methods and Social Psychology

A review & discussion of some of the recent 'crisis' literature in social psychology, especially as it pertains to the appropriateness of the traditional laboratory method for the investigation of human social behavior. Simulation methods are seen as offering a solution to many of the problems inherent to the traditional laboratory method, while at the same time retaining its advantages. Various types of simulations are described (ie, with & without human participants) & their potential contributions are outlined. The educational possibilities of simulation games are noted, although the focus is on their potential within the research realm. Advantages within that realm include: (1) greater fidelity with reality than traditional approaches, (2) maximization of involvement & minimization of evaluation apprehension, (3) holistic insights, (4) optimal level of control, (5) embodiment of time & process, (6) increased degrees of freedom in the investigation of rare events, macrosocial systems, & alternative futures, (7) specification of contest, & (8) heuristic nature of the design process. AA.