Modelling

Modelling is a process of generating a representation of an object, such as to study, understand and predict the object.

A model only represents some aspects or property of the object that is modelled. The process of determining and capturing these properties is abstraction. The properties captured by the model constitute the level of abstraction of the model. Properties outside the level of abstraction are represented in simplified ways.

It is important to understand that no model is a complete representation of its object. Outside of the level of abstraction, all models do not correspond to their object. Criticising models (e.g. as being mockeries, caricatures etc.) for this fact alone is not valid. It is the responsibility of the modeller to state the level of abstraction, and criticism has to address inadequacies within the level of modelling (or the lack of a well defined level of abstraction).