Sage Publications Neural Networks: An Introductory Guide for Social Scientists (New Technologies for Social Research series)

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. Review `Garson′s book would be a good buy for someone setting out to apply neural networks to their data. It takes a balanced approach, trying to make it clear where they would be applicable and where traditional statisitcs might be a better bet. It is certainly easy to read′ - British Journal of Mathematical and Statisistical Psychology `A useful reference source for terminology, mathematical background, possible application areas and pointers towards software use′ - Statistical Methods in Medical Research The much of the material within is timeless and the quality of its presentation allows it to remain a value-add contributor, even today. Overall this book needs to be taken off the storage shelf, dusted off, and placed on your lap. The book’s publication age is an advantage in this case as the all-important basics of neural networks are not skimmed over in this book as they often can be the books published today. This is a must-read for any computational modeler looking to a way to progress their technique. -- Terrill L. Frantz About the Author G. David Garson is a full professor of public administration at North Carolina State University, where he teaches courses on advanced research methodology, geographic information systems, information technology, e-government, and American government. In 1995 he was recipient of the Donald Campbell Award from the Policy Studies Organization, American Political Science Association, for outstanding contributions to policy research methodology and in 1997 of the Aaron Wildavsky Book Award from the same organization. In 1999 he won the Okidata Instructional Web Award from the Computers and Multimedia Section of the American Political Science Association, in 2002 received an NCSU Award for Innovative Excellence in Teaching and Learning with Technology, and in 2003 received an award "For Outstanding Teaching in Political Science" from the American Political Science Association and the National Political  Science Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha. In 2008 the NCSU Public Administration Program was named in the top 10 PA schools in the nation in information systems management.  Prof. Garson is editor of and contributor to Handbook of Public Information Systems, Third Edition.(2010); Handbook of Research on Public Information Technology (2008), Patriotic Information Systems:  Privacy, Access, and Security Issues of Bush Information Policy (2008), Modern Public Information Technology Systems (2007), and author of Public Information Technology and E-Governance: Managing the Virtual State (2006), editor of Public Information Systems: Policy and Management Issues (2003), coeditor of Digital Government: Principles and Practices (2003), coauthor of Crime Mapping (2003), author of Guide to Writing Quantitative Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Dekker, 2001), editor of Social Dimensions of Information Technology (2000),  Information Technology and Computer Applications in Public Administration: Issues and Trends (1999) and is author of Neural Network Analysis for Social Scientists (1998), Computer Technology and Social Issues (1995), Geographic Databases and Analytic Mapping (1992), and is author, coauthor, editor, or coeditor of 17 other books and author or coauthor of over 50 articles. He has also created award-winning American