Spreadsheet modeling for research and teaching: Programming without programming

Spreadsheets can be used to focus academic research and teaching on theoretical models. Examples of models from learning, social psychology, and perception are presented to illustrate how spreadsheet techniques work. Two strengths of this approach are emphasized: (1) Spreadsheets provide a relatively user-friendly alternative to some kinds of instructional and research programming; and (2) the linked tables and graphs of modern spreadsheets provide a powerful display medium and a fast way to examine the behavior of models as parameters change. I suggest some models for which spreadsheets may be appropriate.