2.1.4: Model Validation
Substantiate that computerised models within their domains of applicability possess satisfactory ranges of accuracy consistent
with the intended application of the models
Other Information:
Policy makers need and use information stemming from simulations in order to develop more effective policies. As citizens,
public administration and other stakeholders are affected by decisions based on these models, the reliability of applied models
is crucial. Model validation can be defined as "substantiation that a computerised model within its domain of applicability
possesses a satisfactory range of accuracy consistent with the intended application of the model" (Schlesinger, 1979). Therefore,
a policy model should be developed for a specific purpose (or context) and its validity determined with respect to that purpose
(or context). If the purpose of such a model is to answer a variety of questions, the validity of the model needs to be determined
with respect to each question. A model is considered valid for a set of experimental conditions if the model's accuracy is
within its acceptable range, which is the amount of accuracy required for the model's intended purpose. The substantiation
that a model is valid is generally considered to be a process and is usually part of the (total) policy model development
process (Sargent, 2008). For this purpose, specific and integrated techniques and ICT tools are required to be developed for
policy modelling.
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