Jeanne E. Gullahorn

Computer simulation of human interaction in small groups

The modern digital computer has made major contributions to sociology in at least two general areas. Because of the computers high speed and its ability to handle effectively the interrelationships among many and complex variables, we are enabled to perform more sophisticated analyses of data already gathered. For the first time it is possible to deal statistically with social systems as systems. Potentially of even greater benefit is the second contribution---the use of computers to generate data for the purposes of theory testing and development.