Conflict Analysis

It is difficult or even impossible to construct models covering all aspects of (complex) problem domains of interest. A model is therefore most often an approximation of a problem domain that is designed to be applied according to the assumptions as determined by the background condition or context of the model. If a model is used under circumstances not consistent with the background condition, the results will in general be unreliable. The evidence need not be inconsistent with the model in order for the results to be unreliable. It may be that evidence is simply in conflict with the model. This implies that the model in relation to the evidence may be weak and therefore the results may be unreliable.