Models in sociocybernetics: A 20 year review at the ISA-RC51 on Sociocybernetics

Abstract

What is a model? A frequently asked question by an observer when sharing the record of their work describing reality when communicating findings. However, there are other related questions: Has the model been validated? Is the model valid? Is the model useful? This article gives possible answers to these questions from the sociocybernetics paradigm. The second order, the observation of the observer, is an integral approach to the study of the model concept, but, above all, to the action involved: making a model. The text draws on systems theory and offers a reflection on the possibilities, alternatives, barriers and potentials of making models-based sociocybernetics and, also, sociocybernetics-based models. The reader will find a review of the approach to reality through models, the scales of observables and observers, an account of main works related to model theory and practice, and a review of tools available for making and simulating models and discussion on model value. The article concludes with a review of the last 20 years of the International Sociological Association (ISA) Research Committee 51 (RC51) on Sociocybernetics activity related to models and modelling.