The Signal Importance of Noise

Michael Macy and Milena Tsvetkova

Sociological Methods & Research, 2015, vol. 44, issue 2, 306-328

Abstract: Noise is widely regarded as a residual category—the unexplained variance in a linear model or the random disturbance of a predictable pattern. Accordingly, formal models often impose the simplifying assumption that the world is noise-free and social dynamics are deterministic. Where noise is assigned causal importance, it is often assumed to be a source of inefficiency, unpredictability, or heterogeneity. We review recent sociological studies that are noteworthy for demonstrating the theoretical importance of noise for understanding the dynamics of a complex system. Contrary to widely held assumptions, these studies identify conditions in which noise can increase efficiency and predictability and reduce diversity. We conclude with a methodological warning that deterministic assumptions are not an innocent simplification.

Keywords: agent-based models; analytical sociology; complex systems; computer simulation; determinism; stochastic models; game theory; random error (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:somere:v:44:y:2015:i:2:p:306-328

DOI: 10.1177/0049124113508093

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