What's a Model?

• A model is a simplification of the real thing.
• A model car is simpler than a real car.
• A lot of models are computational models. These enable simulations to predict what will happen.
• Computational models are of course the kind of model we're interested in.
• There are computational models for weather (good for 5 days, but worse beyond), air flow, and stock markets. Can you name some other models?
• While a lot of models might fit in with games (e.g. Physics models), we're going to talk about Psychological or Cognitive Models today.