Abstract
Animals are paradigms of complex systems. Therefore, models must be used to fully understand their emergent individual, group, and social behavior. Models can be physical, symbolic, mathematical, or computational, but they are always simpler than the animal systems they represent. Thus, models always have limitations. Viewed as tools for understanding, some models are better fit for investigating particular systems than others. Indeed, using models in science is much like using tools to build things. The use of tools is typically coordinated for the best success. For example, to drill a precise hole in a sheet of metal, several tools are needed: a ruler, pencil, punch, hammer, and drill. Holes can be made without some or all of these tools, but there will be a cost in precision and accuracy. To use models effectively in science, we need to understand their specific functions and limitations. Understanding these properties of models as tools is essential for their coordinated and effective use.
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Schank, J., Joshi, S., May, C., Tran, J.T., Bish, R. (2011). A Multi-Modeling Approach to the Study of Animal Behavior. In: Minai, A.A., Braha, D., Bar-Yam, Y. (eds) Unifying Themes in Complex Systems. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-17635-7_37
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-17635-7_37
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