Why Create Models?

From SystemsWiki

As several previous videos have presented the development of a bathtub model and a savings account model at this point it's probably appropriate to offer some thoughts about why is it that we create models.

• On the 4th model, Causal Loop Diagrams, balancing or negative feedback subtracts rather than adds. --Bellinger [12.03.19]
• My own answers to "Why model" were missing from your piece. To me, the value of modelling is primarily about making mental models explicit, and testing them with data. As such, they are part of the social learning process. --Wing [12.03.20]

Components

• Systemic Perspective Intent IM-443
• Network of Interactions IM-449
• Analysis IM-845
• Analysis & Synthesis IM-859
• Patient Flows IM-666
• Causal Loop Diagrams IM-327
• Stock & Flow Diagrams IM-353
• Why Do Simulations? IM-1552
• Rookie/Pro Interactions IM-434

Related Concepts

• Introduction < M & S with Insight Maker > Rich Pictures/Part 1
• Implications of Interactions
• Insight Maker/Introduction
• Modeling Guidelines
• Causal Loop Diagrams/Part 1
• Dialogue Maps
• Mind Maps
• Systemigrams
• Connection Circles

References

• Adventures in Wonderland
• Model
• Create a Model
• Rich Pictures at Open University
• Robert E. Horn's complexity murals
• Why do simulations?
• Mental Models of Dynamic Systems
• A System Dynamics Skills Inventory by Gordon Kubanek. "The Systems Worldview" section seems most relevant.
• All Models Are Wrong: Reflections on Becoming a Systems Scientist by John D. Sterman
• Complicated and Complex Crime Prevention and the 2 Feedback Loop Law by Terence Love
• Counterintuitive Behaviour of Social Systems by Jay W. Forrester
• Learning through System Dynamics as Preparation for the 21st Century by Jay W. Forrester
• Simulation is not the Answer by Gene Bellinger
• Systems Thinking: Critical Thinking Skills for the 1990s and Beyond by Barry Richmond
• Critical Thinking YouTube Video from Qualiasoup
• Why Model? by Joshua M. Epstein
• Theory of Constraintsfrom Wikipedia
• Outline for a Morphology of Modelling Methods: Contribution to a General Theory of Modelling by Tom Ritchey
• The Prophet of Unintended Consequences an article on Jay Forrester by Lawrence M. Fisher
• Modeling the Forest or Modeling the Trees A Comparison of System Dynamics and Agent-Based Simulation by Nadine Schieritz and Peter Milling
• Model Thinking Course by Scott Page, University of Michigan
  • Model Thinking Course Videos by Scott Page
• Motivation for Modeling a video by Nate Osgood
• Learning from Evidence in a Complex World by John D. Sterman

Additional Resources Systems Thinking World Discussions Systems Thinking World Q&A * Gene Bellinger