Neural Networks An Introductory Guide for Social Scientists

This book provides the first accessible introduction to neural network analysis as a methodological strategy for social scientists. The author details numerous studies and examples which illustrate the advantages of neural network analysis over other quantitative and modelling methods in widespread use. Methods are presented in an accessible style for readers who do not have a background in computer science. The book provides a history of neural network methods, a substantial review of the literature, detailed applications, coverage of the most common alternative models and examples of two leading software packages for neural network analysis.

G. David Garson is Full Professor of Political Science at North Carolina State University, USA. He is the recipient of the Donald C. Campbell Award for Methodological Innovation and the Aaron Wildavsky Book Award from Policy Studies Organization/American Political Science Association.