Modeling (scientific)

Modeling is a method for studying the surrounding world, which can be classified as a general scientific method applied at both the empirical and theoretical levels of inquiry. When constructing and studying a model, virtually all other methods of inquiry can be applied.

A model (from Latin modulus — measure, sample, norm) is understood as a material or mentally conceived object that, in the process of cognition (study), replaces the original object, preserving some of its typical features that are important for the given research. The process of building and using a model is called modeling.

In systems analysis, modeling is considered a primary method of scientific inquiry, associated with improving methods for obtaining and recording information about the objects under study, as well as with acquiring new knowledge through model-based experiments. Today, most models are developed using computers and computer technologies; such models are developed using software or can themselves act as a program.

When building a model, a researcher always starts from the established goals and considers only the most significant factors for achieving them. Therefore, any model is not identical to the original object and, consequently, is incomplete, since during its construction, the researcher only considered the factors they deemed most important.

The most important and common purpose of models is their application in studying and predicting the behavior of complex processes and phenomena. It should be noted that some objects and phenomena cannot be studied directly at all. Another, no less important, purpose of models is that they help identify the most significant factors that shape the properties of an object, as the model itself reflects only some of the main characteristics of the original object, which must be considered when studying a particular process or phenomenon. A model allows one to learn how to correctly manage an object by testing various control options. Using the real object for this purpose is often risky or simply impossible. If the properties of an object change over time, the task of predicting its states under the influence of various factors becomes particularly important.

The purpose of modeling dictates which aspects of the original should be reflected in the model. Different purposes correspond to different models of the same object.

Models can be built using conceptual means (abstract models) or physical means (real models). Linguistic models hold a special place among abstract models. The ambiguity and vagueness of natural language, while useful in many cases, can be a hindrance in certain practices. This leads to the creation of more precise (professional) languages, a whole hierarchy of increasingly precise languages, culminating in the ideally formalized language of mathematics.

Literature

• Glinskiy, B. A. Modeling as a Method of Scientific Research. Moscow, 1965;
• Kodryants, I. G. Philosophical Questions of Mathematical Modeling. Kishinev, 1978;
• Mamedov, N. M. Modeling and Synthesis of Knowledge. Baku, 1978;
• Uemov, A. I. Logical Foundations of the Modeling Method. Moscow, 1971