Models in science

Abstract

Models are of central importance in many scientific contexts. Thecentrality of models such as inflationary models in cosmology,general-circulation models of the global climate, the double-helixmodel of DNA, evolutionary models in biology, agent-based models inthe social sciences, and general-equilibrium models of markets intheir respective domains is a case in point (the Other Internet Resources section at the end of this entry contains links to online resourcesthat discuss these models). Scientists spend significant amounts oftime building, testing, comparing, and revising models, and muchjournal space is dedicated to interpreting and discussing theimplications of models.