Simulation Research on Social Exchange Networks

描述和分析个人、组织和其他社会行动者之间的关系是一个核心的社会学问题。网络分析允许记录和研究发生在社会系统之间以及个人之间的交易。本研究考察了许多网络交换理论，并将使用计算机模拟来比较、测试、扩展和整合网络内连接的替代理论。目标是了解信息和资源如何在各种环境中交换，例如社会团体或大型组织。一方面，网络交换理论化在广泛的现实生活情境中显示出巨大的潜在解释力。另一方面，理论是在几乎完全孤立的情况下产生的。测试替代范例的工作仍有待完成。因此，本研究可以为网络交换模拟和研究的进一步发展提供宝贵的见解。

The description and analysis of relationships among individuals, organizations and other social actors is a central sociological issue. Network analysis permits the documentation and study of transactions which take place among social systems as well as among individuals. The proposed research examines a number of network exchange theories, and will use computer simulations to compare, test, extend, and integrate alternative theories of linkages within networks. The goal is to understand how information and resources are exchanged in a variety of settings, such as social groups or large organizations. Network exchange theorizing has, on the one hand, shown signs of having great potential explanatory power in a wide range of real life contexts. On the other hand, theories are spawned in near complete isolation. The work of testing alternative paradigms remains to be done. This study, therefore, can offer insights that will be invaluable to the further development of network exchange simulations and research.