Gravity Model

Gravity models are used in various social sciences to predict and describe certain behaviors that mimic gravitational interaction as described in Isaac Newton's law of gravity. Generally, the social science models contain some elements of mass and distance, which lends them to the metaphor of physical gravity.

Social science gravity models:

  • Gravity model of trade
  • Trip distribution
  • Gravity model of migration
  • Two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method

Famous quotes containing the words gravity and/or model:

    Here I sit down to form characters. One I intend to be all goodness; All goodness he is. Another I intend to be all gravity; All gravity he is. Another Lady Gish; All Lady Gish she is. I am all the while absorbed in the character. It is not fair to say—I, identically I, am anywhere, while I keep within the character.
    Samuel Richardson (1689–1761)

    The striking point about our model family is not simply the compete-compete, consume-consume style of life it urges us to follow.... The striking point, in the face of all the propaganda, is how few Americans actually live this way.
    Louise Kapp Howe (b. 1934)