TABLE OF CONTENTS Much of the analysis of science is performed on models and not on an actual physical object. Such analysis is what allows science to make predictions. One important feature of scientific models is that they are provisional; a scientist may propose a model and, after testing it, disclose that it does not explain all the data.
The author prefers to relate the goals of a chapter to questions. In this way the student will see the problem we are trying to solve and not become lost in the details. The following questions will be answered in this chapter.
What is a scientific model?
Are models correct or incorrect or simply adequate or inadequate?
What are some examples of scientific models?
The goal of science is to explain and predict natural phenomena. One of the primary tools used in this process is the scientific model. Almost of all of our discussions and analysis will be performed using models and not real objects. For this reason you should understand what a scientific model is and what its limitations are.
A scientific model is a substitute for a real object or system. It emphasizes some features of a real object while de-emphasizing or even ignoring other features. The kind of features that are included or not included is determined by the purpose and audience of the model. Thus, a model which is considered appropriate for this book may be too simple for...
