3.16 Simulations
1. Exam Points
Benefits/advantages of simulations. (less or no real-world limitations).Limitations of simulations. (some details omitted or functionality simplified).Choose the scenarios to use simulations.(real experiments impractical)Choose the scenarios not to use simulations. (need real data)
2. Knowledge Points
(1) Simulations
- Simulations are abstractions of more complex objects or phenomena for a specific purpose.
- A simulation is a representation that uses varying sets of values to reflect the changing state of a phenomenon.
Simulations often mimic real-world events with the purpose of drawing inferences, allowing investigation of a phenomenon without the constraints of the real world.- The process of developing an abstract
simulation involves removing specific details or simplifying functionality.
- Generally, a simulation based on a
less detailed model will require less time to run.
- Simulations
can contain bias derived from the choices of real-world elements that were included or excluded.
- Simulations are
most useful when real-world events are impractical for experiments (e.g., too big, too small, too fast, too slow, too expensive, or too dangerous).
- A simulation is
unlikely to be appropriate if continuous real-world data is needed.
- Random number generators can be used to simulate the variability that exists in the real world.
(2) Note
- Draw facts from existing data. (
simulations not appropriate).
- Impractical scenarios/events. (
simulations necessary).
3. Exercises
