Modelling in Natural Sciences : Design, Validation, and Case Studies

This book defines the wide application of the art of modelling. The main emphasis is on the imaging of dynamic processes which are analysed and subdivided into their atomic constituents by means of systems analysis. The cyclic structure and the stages of models’ set-up are explained. The evaluation of a model’s quality is regarded as a stochastic process. The aspects of grade used in different fields of sciences are brought into perspective. Thus, a quantitative concept of validity on the basis of conditional degrees of rational belief can be developed.

From the reviews:

"Tibor and Harmund Müller’s, ‘MODELLING IN NATURAL SCIENCES: DESIGN, VALIDATION AND CASE STUDIES’ provided some new ideas and certainly added considerable background and syntax to the concepts of scientific modelling ... . First impressions were that the book looked good and was well presented. ... is well structured, building upon successive ideas and concepts without making any large jumps of logic. ... I recommend anyone involved with modelling in science to read it, as it will provide some context to the modelling process." (Kahan Cervoj, The Australian Geologist, Issue 130, March, 2004)

"This is an interesting book about models and modelling process which naturally splits into two parts. In the first part, the authors discuss the general theory of modelling going step by step from the consideration of a model to its testing and validity. The exposition starts with numerous examples that reflect many-sided meanings of the word ‘model’. ... It shall prove to be useful both for theoretists interested in the foundations of modelling and specialists interested in applied modelling." (Svitlana P. Rogovchenko, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1023, 2003)