Educational Module: Models and Practice
2016
This module is an introduction to models and to their role in regulatory decision-making, and is intended for non-scientists from a variety of different backgrounds including law, journalism, public policy, and business. The module covers three main themes: (1) Core lessons on using models for policy making; (2) Key questions on the art and science of modeling including how models differ from other scientific techniques; and (3) Key ideas on using models in policy-making including how models are used by agencies and the legal and policy issues they raise. The models discussed include models on climate change, air quality, and even baseball results.
The module has been created to be used in a variety of different learning environments ranging from instructor led teaching formats to environments where there is heavy use of student participation including break out groups. The first part (Sections 1-4) of the module introduces students to the basic concepts of models. The second part (Sections 5-6) then locates this understanding within applied legal and policy settings and includes a more detailed case study of the EPA’s use of models to set ambient air quality standards (Section 6).
This module is one of 9 modules developed by the Committee on Preparing the Next Generation of Policy Makers for Science-Based Decisions, an ad hoc committee under the auspices of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Committee on Science, Technology, and Law. Access all modules.
Educational Module: Models and Practice
Source:
Fisher E, Pascual P, Wagner W. Models: Scientific Practice in Context. An Educational Module. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, Medicine 2016. https://www.nationalacademies.org/documents/embed/link/LF2255DA3DD1C41C0A42D3BEF0989ACAECE3053A6A9B/file/DCB3C6C1F65B1BA58FAE39403095AAA8A7F9C808AC05?noSaveAs=1