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The Validation of Models of Complex Systems

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  • J-M Choukroun

    (Social Systems Sciences Department, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

Abstract

This paper begins with a short review of various approaches to validation proposed in the modeling literature. It then discusses three alternative views of models: (1) the concept of model in mathematical logic, (2) the conventional (empiricist) view of models in the social sciences, and (3) an alternative view that sees models as the products of metaphor construction and interpretation. This third view leads to the identification of four different areas in model validation: (1) evaluation of adequacy of metaphors, (2) observation, measurement, and experimentation, (3) internal validation, and (4) external validation. The process of external validation proposed here recognizes that models are inherently partial, incomplete, and somewhat idiosyncratic and need to be confronted and compared with each other to produce new insights collectively.

Suggested Citation

  • J-M Choukroun, 1984. "The Validation of Models of Complex Systems," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 11(3), pages 263-277, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirb:v:11:y:1984:i:3:p:263-277
    DOI: 10.1068/b110263
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Charles K. Wilber & Robert S. Harrison, 1978. "The Methodological Basis of Institutional Economics: Pattern Model, Storytelling, and Holism," Journal of Economic Issues, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(1), pages 61-89, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Paul Timms, 2008. "Transport models, philosophy and language," Transportation, Springer, vol. 35(3), pages 395-410, May.

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