Models and Modeling
Models are abstractions of reality, and modeling is the process of creating these abstractions of reality (Wallace 1994). Models take a variety of forms based upon their function, structure, and degree of quantification (Tersine and Grasso 1979). For example the functions of a chart of an organization is to describe and does not provide any predictions or recommendations; a sales forecast predicts the future based upon a particular business strategy; and a procedural manual for a manufacturing process is normative in that it provides advice on how to manage a process. The structure of a model can be symbolic (represented by equations), analog (using graphs to model physical networks), or iconic (physical representations such as scale models). Models are usually thought of as being quantitative, and able to be represented mathematically. However, qualitative models are far more common. For example, mental models play a very important role in the conceptualization of a situation (Crapo, Waisel, Wallace and Willemain 2000) and verbal and textual models are used in the process of communicating mental models. Because reality is near-infinitely complex, all data needs to be processed, which involves a movement from information to knowledge. Models are forms of codified knowledge.
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