scientific model
Simplified explanatory system
A scientific model is a simplified representation of something in the natural world—a system, process, or phenomenon.
Models may be physical (a scale model of the solar system), mathematical (equations describing population growth), or conceptual (the "billiard ball" model of gas molecules).
Scientists use models to visualize complex processes, generate predictions, and test hypotheses.
A model's value lies not in perfect accuracy but in useful approximation: The model predicted the hurricane's path within fifty miles.
Systematic investigation procedure
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- parametersDefined boundaries or constraints
- variablesChangeable elements in equations
measurement · empirical · quantitative · statistical · replication · peer review · hypothesis testing · control group
Testable proposed explanation
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- paradigmGoverning framework of thought
- principleFundamental truth or standard
- abstractionDistilling to essential qualities
conceptual · explanatory · mechanistic · phenomenological · theoretical physics · axiom · postulate · formulation
Simplified explanatory sketch
- schematicSimplified technical diagram
- visualizationForming mental or graphical images
- mathematicalOf or involving computation
- equationMathematical equality assertion
graph · flowchart · prototype · analogy · idealization · simplification · input-output · feedback loop
Prediction of future conditions
- projectionSomething that extends outward
- extrapolationExtending data beyond bounds
- scenarioPostulated event sequence
- estimationApproximate value judgment
probability · likelihood · trend analysis · epidemiological · accuracy · uncertainty · confidence interval · outcome
Relating to digital calculation
- virtualExisting in effect, not fact
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- Monte CarloProbability estimation through randomness
- finite elementNumerical method using subdivisions
numerical · computer-generated · stochastic · deterministic · agent-based · fluid dynamics · rendering · iterative
Relating to universe's origin/structure
- ecologicalRelating to ecosystems
- neural networkInterconnected computational nodes mimicking cognition
- epidemiologicalRelating to disease distribution study
- geologicalOf Earth's physical structure
astrophysical · thermodynamic · kinetic · protein folding · hydrological
experiment
Systematic investigation procedure
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- parametersDefined boundaries or constraints
variables · measurement · empirical · quantitative · statistical · replication · peer review · hypothesis testing · control group · reproducibility
hypothesis
Testable proposed explanation
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- paradigmGoverning framework of thought
- principleFundamental truth or standard
abstraction · conceptual · explanatory · mechanistic · phenomenological · theoretical physics · axiom · postulate · formulation · generalization
diagram
Simplified explanatory sketch
- schematicSimplified technical diagram
- visualizationForming mental or graphical images
- mathematicalOf or involving computation
equation · graph · flowchart · prototype · analogy · idealization · simplification · input-output · feedback loop · structural
forecast
Prediction of future conditions
- projectionSomething that extends outward
- extrapolationExtending data beyond bounds
- scenarioPostulated event sequence
estimation · probability · likelihood · trend analysis · epidemiological · accuracy · uncertainty · confidence interval · outcome · interpolation
computational
Relating to digital calculation
- virtualExisting in effect, not fact
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- Monte CarloProbability estimation through randomness
finite element · numerical · computer-generated · stochastic · deterministic · agent-based · fluid dynamics · rendering · iterative · approximation
cosmological
Relating to universe's origin/structure
- ecologicalRelating to ecosystems
- neural networkInterconnected computational nodes mimicking cognition
- epidemiologicalRelating to disease distribution study
geological · astrophysical · thermodynamic · kinetic · protein folding · hydrological
scientific modelreality
What actually exists
the real thing · raw data · physical reality · primary source · empirical observation
scientific modelsuperstition
Baseless belief in omens
pseudoscience · magical thinking · myth · folk belief · dogma
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