What Is A Model?

What is a Model? What is Simulation?

+ M&S01: Give an ordinary language explanation of what a model is.

When we talk about models we need to mention that a model is a simplified representation of something and the purpose of that representation is to better understand (or illustrate) how that something functions. It is a description of how something happens that can be used to make predictions about things that should be observable if the model is correct, and that leads us to identify things we can manipulate in order to change how things happen in the world.

+ M&S02: Describe range of things that function as models in the world

Equations, diagrams, physical models, verbal descriptions, computer programs, biological systems.

+ M&S03: Give a sense of the breadth of the range of models used in social and policy sciences.

Markov model, agent model, game theory model, stock and flow model

+ M&S04: Distinguish simulation from modeling.

DTF

+ M&S05: Give an example of simulation in social and policy sciences

DTF