Macy, Michael and Tsvetkova, Milena 
ORCID: 0000-0002-3552-108X
(2015)
The signal importance of noise.
Sociological Methods and Research, 44 (2).
pp. 306-328.
ISSN 0049-1241
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.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Official URL: | http://journals.sagepub.com/home/smr |
| Additional Information: | © 2013 The Authors |
| Divisions: | Methodology |
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HM Sociology |
| Date Deposited: | 12 May 2017 14:00 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Jan 2025 18:45 |
| Projects: | SES 1260348 |
| Funders: | U.S. National Science Foundation |
| URI: | http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/76797 |
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