Defining Model

NUSRAT AZEEMA
 Characteristics of Model

 Models, regardless of the field or theory they represent, often share

several key characteristics:
1. Abstraction: Models simplify reality by focusing on specific aspects or
elements of a system while ignoring unnecessary details. This
abstraction helps in making the system more understandable and
manageable.
2. Representation: They represent relationships, structures, or behaviors
within a system. This representation can take various forms, such as
mathematical equations, diagrams, or computer simulations.
1. Purposeful Design: Models are intentionally created for a particular
purpose, whether it's to understand, predict, simulate, or analyze the
system they represent.
2. Assumptions: All models are based on assumptions about the
behavior of the elements within the system. These assumptions might
simplify complexities or make the model feasible, but they can also limit
its accuracy or applicability.
3. Predictive or Explanatory Power: A model's effectiveness is often
judged by its ability to make predictions about the behavior of the
system or to explain observed phenomena within that system.
1. Validity and Reliability: Validity refers to how accurately the model
represents the real system, while reliability is about the consistency and
reproducibility of the model's outcomes.
2. Dynamic Nature: Many models account for changes and interactions within
the system over time. They might incorporate feedback loops or adaptive
elements to reflect real-world dynamics.
3. Iterative Improvement: Models can be refined and improved based on new
data, observations, or advancements in understanding, allowing for a
continuous refinement process.
1. Applicability and Scope: Models have specific domains or contexts in
which they are applicable. They might not be universally valid and might
only apply within certain boundaries or conditions.

2. Utility and Limitations: Models are tools and have specific uses. While
they can provide valuable insights, they also have limitations and might
not capture all complexities or behaviors of the real system.
 How to Evaluate a Model?

 Evaluating a model or theory involves a systematic assessment of

its strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness in explaining,
predicting, or simulating the system it represents. Here's a
structured approach to evaluate a model or theory:
1. Clarity and Purpose:
1. Clarity: Assess how clearly the model/theory is defined. Is it easy to
understand and explain?
2. Purpose: Determine its intended purpose. Does it address specific
questions or phenomena?
1. Assumptions and Simplifications:
1. Identify the underlying assumptions and simplifications. Are they realistic
and justifiable? How do they impact the model's applicability?
2. Validity and Reliability:
1. Validity: Evaluate how accurately the model/theory represents the real
system. Does it capture essential elements and relationships?
2. Reliability: Consider the consistency and reproducibility of its outcomes.
Are the results consistent across different conditions or datasets?
1. Predictive Power:
1. Assess the model's ability to predict future outcomes or behaviors within
the system. How accurate are its predictions?
2. Scope and Applicability:
1. Determine the boundaries within which the model/theory is valid. Where
does it apply, and where does it fall short?
3. Falsifiability:
1. Assess if the model/theory can be tested and potentially falsified through
experimentation or observation. Can it be proven wrong?
1. Comparative Analysis:
1. Compare the model/theory with alternative models or theories. How does it
fare against competing explanations or representations?
2. Empirical Evidence:
1. Evaluate the empirical evidence supporting the model/theory. How well do
observations or experiments align with its predictions or explanations?
3. Utility and Practicality:
1. Consider the usefulness of the model/theory in practical applications. Does
it offer insights that can be applied in real-world scenarios?
1.Feedback and Iteration:
• Assess the model's capacity for improvement. Is there room for
refinement based on new data or observations? Can it adapt to
changing conditions or knowledge?
11.Community Consensus:
• Consider the consensus within the relevant scientific or academic
community regarding the model/theory. What is the general
opinion and acceptance level?
 Functions of models

1. Understanding and Explanation: Models help in understanding

complex systems by simplifying them. They offer explanations of
how different components within a system interact and behave.
2. Prediction and Forecasting: Many models are designed to
predict future behaviors or outcomes within a system based on
historical data or established relationships.
3. Decision Making and Planning: Models assist in decision-
making processes by providing insights and scenarios that aid in
planning strategies, resource allocation, or risk assessment.
1. Communication and Visualization: Models serve as visual or conceptual
aids, facilitating communication among researchers, practitioners, and
stakeholders. They make complex ideas more accessible.
2. Hypothesis Testing: Models provide a framework for testing hypotheses and
theories. They help in designing experiments or simulations to validate or
refute ideas.
3. Problem-Solving and Innovation: Models can inspire new ideas or
innovations by uncovering relationships or patterns that were previously
unnoticed.
4. Policy Evaluation and Impact Assessment: In fields like economics or public
policy, models are used to assess the potential impacts of policies or
1. Simulation and Scenario Analysis: Models enable the simulation
of different scenarios to understand how changes in variables or
conditions might affect the system.
2. Education and Training: Models serve as teaching tools to
convey concepts, theories, and principles in a more
understandable manner.
3. Continuous Improvement and Refinement: Models are not
static; they evolve with new data and insights, leading to
continuous improvement and refinement.
 Some early communication models

 Shannon-Weaver Model (1949): Often referred to as the

"Transmission Model," it was developed by Claude
Shannon and Warren Weaver. This linear model
conceptualized communication as a process of transmitting
information from a sender to a receiver through a channel.
It emphasized the encoding of a message by a sender, its
transmission through a medium, decoding by the receiver,
and potential noise/distortion in the process.
 Berlo's SMCR Model (1960): Developed by David
Berlo, this model expanded upon the Shannon-
Weaver model and emphasized four components:
Source, Message, Channel, and Receiver (SMCR).
It highlighted the importance of the source's
encoding process, the message itself, the chosen
channel of communication, and the receiver's
decoding process.
 Schramm's Interactive Model (1954): Wilbur Schramm
proposed a model that emphasized interaction between
the sender and receiver. It depicted communication as a
two-way process, acknowledging feedback as an essential
component. This model stressed the interpretation of the
message by the receiver and their subsequent response,
leading to a continuous cycle of communication.
 Lasswell's Communication Model (1948): Developed by
Harold Lasswell, this model proposed answering five
questions: Who (the sender), Says What (the message), In
Which Channel (the medium), To Whom (the receiver),
With What Effect (the outcome). It aimed to analyze and
understand the communication process by breaking it
down into these key components.
Who says what in which channel to
whom with what effect
 Osgood-Schramm Model (1954): Charles Osgood and
Wilbur Schramm proposed a circular model that
emphasized encoding and decoding processes and
introduced the concept of "field of experience." They
highlighted how the sender's and receiver's
backgrounds, experiences, and attitudes influenced
message interpretation.
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