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Modelling Human Behaviour in Landscapes pp 23–44Cite as

Theory of Modelling

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Abstract

This chapter is dedicated to the term ‘model’ which is explored in the first part. The chapter presents different definitions and characterisations of the term ‘model’ and aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding of differences and similarities in the various concepts of models, as well as their practical applications. A brief discussion of some classifications of models introduces the reader to the most important distinctions in the modelling terminology. Among these classifications, the distinction between theoretical and empirical models plays a dominant role and is pivotal for understanding the methodological chapters. In addition, we present the SQM classification and address the development and reduction of complexity in models. Different purposes and benefits of models are described and may serve as a starting point for describing modelling applications. In order to have practical rules of thumb for the usage of models some modelling directions are given. Finally, examples from archaeology and geography complete this conceptual chapter on modelling.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany

    Oliver Nakoinz

  2. Excellence Cluster Topoi, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany

    Daniel Knitter

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  1. Oliver Nakoinz
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  2. Daniel Knitter
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Nakoinz, O., Knitter, D. (2016). Theory of Modelling. In: Modelling Human Behaviour in Landscapes. Quantitative Archaeology and Archaeological Modelling . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29538-1_2

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