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Title:Choosing the Right Model
Authors: R.R. Leitch ; Qiang Shen ; G.M. Coghill ; M.J. Chantler
Date:Sep 1999
Publication Title:IEE Proceedings on Control Theory and Applications
Publication Type:Conference Paper
Abstract:
Models are representations of artefacts or situations that are developed for a prescribed purpose. The authors consider models to be executable descriptions of the real world; that is a model can be used to predict or analyse properties of the system. Simulation and reasoning systems, which may be derived from traditional or AI approaches, are used to execute these models. Given the plethora of modelling techniques available which cope well with certain, but not other, contexts, it is evident that there is no `best model' covering all situations: a model is correct if it satisfies its purpose no less and no more. The desires of the user of a modelling system are always moderated by the availability of techniques permitting these desires to be met. To alleviate the difficulties associated with this requires a methodology to guide the user to the best model and simulation technique to meet his needs. A primary requirement in the construction of such a methodology is a comprehensive and understandable classification of the choices inherent in the construction of a model. Viewing the modelling process as consisting of three modelling choices which involve the definition or adjustment of a number of model properties. First, the ontological choices reflect those aspects of the domain which are being modelled, such as where the knowledge comes from, what structure the model will have (e.g. whether it will consist of constraints or components), where the conceptual boundary of the model (with respect to the domain) will lie, and how many variables should be included in the model. Next, having decided on what is to be modelled, the representational choices dictate how the selected knowledge can best be represented. There are three forms of representation available: equations, if the knowledge is of a well established, universal, scientific principle; associations, if it is a particular, value-dependent relation; and procedures, ... (see complete abstract overleaf)
Copyright:
2002 by The University of Edinburgh. All Rights Reserved
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Bibtex format
@InProceedings{EDI-INF-RR-0133,
author = { R.R. Leitch and Qiang Shen and G.M. Coghill and M.J. Chantler },
title = {Choosing the Right Model},
book title = {IEE Proceedings on Control Theory and Applications},
year = 1999,
month = {Sep},
}


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