An introduction to modeling science: Basic model types, key definitions, and a general framework for the comparison of process models

Abstract

Models of science aim to capture the structure and/or dynamics of science itself. Data on the science system - scholars, papers, patents, grants, jobs, etc., and their complex interdependencies and dynamics - are used to validate them. This chapter provides a general introduction to the modeling of science together with a discussion of different model types, basic definitions, and an overview of major predictive models of science covered in this book. The Appendix provides definitions of common terminology. Models of science aim to capture the structure and/or dynamics of science itself. Data on the science system - scholars, papers, patents, grants, jobs, etc., and their complex interdependencies and dynamics - are used to validate them. This chapter provides a general introduction to the modeling of science together with a discussion of different model types, basic definitions, and an overview of major predictive models of science covered in this book. The Appendix provides definitions of common terminology. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.