Defining sociological concepts as variables for system dynamics modeling

Social structures and processes are generally described and analyzed in terms of verbal concepts. To simulate such phenomena in system dynamics models, the concepts must first be transformed into quantifiable variables. Useful intermediate steps in this process are specific but transferable nominal definitions, based on meaning analysis of the concepts. For modeling purposes, a well‐defined variable should be reliable and realistic, and have face validity. The relevance and importance of these criteria, long recognized in sociological research, are documented and illustrated with examples drawn from recently published work on a model of normative systems in industrialized societies.