DEVELOPING AND USING MODELS IN SCIENCE

Role of Models in Science

Scientists use models to represent their current understanding of a system ( or parts of a system) under study, to aid in the development of questions and explanations, and to communicate ideas to others.

Mental vs. Conceptual

ModelsScientists construct mental and conceptual models of phenomena.

Mental models are internal, personal, incomplete, unstable, and essentially functional. They serve the purpose of being a tool for thinking with, making predictions, and making sense of experience.

Conceptual models, the focus of this section, are, in contrast, explicit representations that are in some ways analogous to the phenomena they represent.

Conceptual models are used in science and engineering to represent simplified structural, functional or behavioral phenomena.

Conceptual models include diagrams, physical replicas, mathematical representations, analogies, and computer simulations.

Although they do not correspond exactly to the more complicated entity being modeled, they do bring certain features into focus while minimizing or obscuring others.

Mental vs. Conceptual

Models

Because all models contain approximations and assumptions that limit the range of validity of their application and the precision of their predictive power, it is important to recognize their limitations.

Mental vs. Conceptual

Models

Mental Models are Models everyone comes up with in their heads to help make sense of ideas

Conceptual Models are physical representations of those mental models

Conceptual Models help us refine and understand our mental models better

Student Notes

Conceptual models are used in science and engineering to represent simplified structural, functional or behavioral phenomena

Conceptual models highlight certain features while minimizing importance of others

Conceptual models have limitations that are important to recognize

Student Notes

Model TypesStudent Notes

Conceptual models include:

Diagrams

Physical replicas

Mathematical representations

Analogies

Computer simulations.

Diagrams

Physical Replicas

Mathematical Representations

Ideal Gas Law

Analogies

Computer Simulations