Sociophysical Methods in Science and Technology Studies
- Authors: Egerev S.V.1
-
Affiliations:
- Institute of Scientific Information for Social Sciences of the RAS
- Issue: Vol 7, No 2 (2025)
- Pages: 155-163
- Section: Discussion: science and society through the lens of natural sciences
- URL: https://journals.rcsi.science/2686-827X/article/view/380535
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.19181/smtp.2025.7.2.9
- EDN: https://elibrary.ru/UBWPSL
- ID: 380535
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Abstract
Sociophysics is considered a promising interdisciplinary field applying physical methods to analyze social systems, particularly in the context of science and technology research. This text traces the historical development of sociophysics, from the ideas of D. Hume to contemporary approaches based on big data analysis. The author discusses key sociophysical models and methods, including cellular automata, the Ising model, agent-based models and self-organization models, as well as their application in the study of scientific collaborations, patent activity and other aspects of the development of science and technology. The importance of participatory projects (‘citizen science’) and the necessity of integrating sociophysical methods with traditional social science approaches are emphasized, in order to avoid reductionism and gain a more comprehensive understanding of intricate social phenomena.
About the authors
Sergey V. Egerev
Institute of Scientific Information for Social Sciences of the RAS
Email: segerev@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6998-1060
SPIN-code: 9467-4883
ResearcherId: J-2310-2016
Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Chief Researcher Moscow, Russia
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