Model Standards & Ethics

Question 1

Failure has both technical and human dimensions, give an example of how this can be true for computer models

Answer 1

Use of model outputs can result in physical, financial, and legal implications if used incorrectly. Technical failure can be in terms of model error

Question 2

Engineering standards provide an objective normative guide for model quality control. What concepts can be mapped from software engineering to computer models?

Answer 2

Risk management, safety issues

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Question 3

The Engineering NZ Code of Ethics describes several values and practices that engineers should reflect in their work. Describe specifically how these can be applied in the development and use of computer models

Answer 3

Competence - good at things you do and model things you know
Integrity - reduce bias, the model will say what the model says
Objectivity - reduce bias even if you have an idea of what the model will be
Coherency - does the model make sense start to finish
Good communicator - reporting of models and insights

Question 4

Can models make decisions? If yes, what is the human decision that sits above the model decision?

Answer 4

They cannot make decisions. Humans make decisions using model insights and non-model factors such as environmental, economic, legal, political, cultural

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Question 5

Engineers will often make recommendations. How should the output of a computer model be included in that recommendation, and what else should be taken into account?

Answer 5

Using model insights and non-model factors such as environmental, economic, legal, political, cultural to make recommendations

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Question 6

What are the key peer review steps to give someone useful feedback on a computer modelling study?

Answer 6

Is concept well described? Have all options been identified? Have risks been recognised? Are the conclusions reasonable? Completed work meets objectives? Is valid in process and recommendations? Adheres to regulations and standards?
Concepts
Options
Risks
Conclusions
Objectives
Validity
Regulations

Question 7

What are the types of peer review?

Answer 7

Concept/strategic, specific, regulatory, forensic