NOTE: THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

For the new student or the interested outsider, there are several areas of literature that may be important depending on one's goals. No bibliography could be complete and this list is intended only as a bare bones introduction. References have been included from several fields listed below.

• General Systems Theory
• Evolution
• Computer Programming
• Mathematical Modeling
• Archaeological Applications

Researchers have developed their simulation programs both from mathematical models such as the Lotka-Volterra model of inter-specific competition (Thompson 1977) and from traditional verbal descriptions. An example of the latter is Hosler et al.(1977) who developed a simulation of the collapse of the Classic Maya based on a verbal description developed by Willey and Shimkin (1973). Doran and Gilbert (1994) present a concise discussion of the types of models used in simulation studies and issue of validity in simulation studies.

During the 1960s, initial efforts at simulating social phenomena were build around systems of interrelated equations and tended to be deterministic these were popularized by Jay Forrester. Randomness in simulations was introducted through programs referred to as "Monte Carlo" models and took a huge leap forward in the later 1980s with the rise of fractal geometry and advances in the study of dynamic systems popularized by James Gleick in his book Chaos. At about the same time rapid progress was made in the understanding of the theoretical mathematics underlying dunamic systems, progress was also made in programming languages that would facilitate implementing simulation studies.

For those readers inclinded to history, I have included a number of works that are dated but fundamental works in their field. Such references include Norbet Wiener's seminal work on cybernetics, Ludwig von Bertalanffy's description of General System Theory, Jay Forrester's early computer models, and Robert Axelrod's study in the evolution of social cooperation.

There are a number of topics related to archaeology and computeres that are not addressed in this list of sources. There is nothing specifically about recording field notes or analyzing them. Standard office applications such as word processors, spread sheets, data-base managers, and presentation applications are also absent for the most part. These applications are important but they are developing at such a rate that the the interested reader would be better advised to refer to the home pages of the various manufacturers.

Return to: