Models

Question 1

What is a model?

Answer 1

A simplified version of reality that tells a story about what happens in the natural world.

Question 2

Why is a model useful?

Answer 2

• It offers insight into the thing shown.
• Allows predictions to be made about how the thing studied will behave.
• Studies a part of the world to better understand it.

Question 3

What are the requirements of a good model?

Answer 3

1. Explains how a complex phenomenon arises from a simpler one.
2. Compares a poorly-understood reality with a well-understood mechanism.
3. Must be testable and able to generate predictions.

Question 4

What are the advantages of using a model?

Answer 4

• Helps illustrate complex concepts and formulate hypotheses.
• Brings out patterns.
• Simplified version of real life.
• Allow us to study things that are either too small or too large.

Question 5

What are the Disadvantages of models?

Answer 5

• They lack detail so predictions may not be that accurate.
• It is impossible to take all elements of something into account.
• If there are no figures on the model it gives false impressions.
• Over-simplication causes misunderstanding.
• May be misleading and may affect our understanding.