Page 127 - Getting the Picture Modeling and Simulation in Secondary Computer Science Education

Students’ Understanding and Difficulties
Finally, in the conclusion stage, the results of the execution stage are analyzed and translated back into the problem domain.
Following each of these stages and upon the completion of the modeling process, reflection takes place and the whole process is possibly repeated.
6.2.2 Validity
While it is impossible to make a perfect model (Rand & Wilensky, 2006; Sturrock, 2015), there are many validation approaches and techniques ensuring that the produced model is accurate, credible, and fit for the intended purpose (Law, 2009).
The measures modelers can take to contribute to the development of valid models include the model construction, testing the models, enlisting the help of others and reflection about the models, as illustrated in the figures 7.
With others Validating Modelers themselves
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Figure 7: Validating a model
During the iterative process of the model development, the construction and
testing of a model are intertwined. Models are constructed upon assumptions 6 (Sargent, 2013) resulting from research into the existing theories and possibly
historical data concerning the phenomenon to be modelled, and abstraction —
as described in the section on the modeling cycle (see figure 8). A model can be
calibrated in order for it to be in harmony with the real world (Carley, 1996).
Construct the model Reasoning Figure 8: Constructing a model
Research Abstraction
On one hand, the validity of a model can be derived by having confidence in on validity by construction, thus relying on philosophy of science — rationalism approach which entails that a model is correctly developed from clearly stated reasoning (Sargent, 2013).
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