This unique volume introduces and discusses the methods of validating computer simulations in scientific research. The core concepts, strategies, and techniques of validation are explained by an international team of pre-eminent authorities, drawing on expertise from various fields ranging from engineering and the physical sciences to the social sciences and history. The work also offers new and original philosophical perspectives on the validation of simulations.

Topics and features:

• Introduces the fundamental concepts and principles related to the validation of computer simulations, and examines philosophical frameworks for thinking about validation
• Provides an overview of the various strategies and techniques available for validating simulations, as well as the preparatory steps that have to be taken prior to validation
• Describes commonly used reference points and mathematical frameworks applicable to simulation validation
• Reviews the legal prescriptions, and the administrative and procedural activities related to simulation validation
• Presents examples of best practice that demonstrate how methods of validation are applied in various disciplines and with different types of simulation models
• Covers important practical challenges faced by simulation scientists when applying validation methods and techniques
• Offers a selection of general philosophical reflections that explore the significance of validation from a broader perspective

This truly interdisciplinary handbook will appeal to a broad audience, from professional scientists spanning all natural and social sciences, to young scholars new to research with computer simulations. Philosophers of science, and methodologists seeking to increase their understanding of simulation validation, will also find much to benefit from in the text.

Prof. Dr. Dr. Claus Beisbart is Professor for Philosophyof Science (Extraordinarius) in the Institute for Philosophy at the University of Bern, Switzerland. Prof. Dr. Nicole J. Saam is Professor for Sociology (Chair) in the Institute of Sociology at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.

Autorentext

Prof. Dr. Dr. Claus Beisbart is Professor for Philosophy of Science (Extraordinarius) in the Institute for Philosophy at the University of Bern, Switzerland.

Prof. Dr. Nicole J. Saam is Professor for Sociology (Chair) in the Institute of Sociology at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.

Inhalt

Introduction

Part I:  Foundations Basic Conceptions in Simulation Model Validation

What Is Validation of Computer Simulations? Towards a Clarification of the Concept of Validation and Related Notions
Claus Beisbart

Simulation Accuracy, Uncertainty, and Predictive Capability: A Physical Sciences Perspective
William Oberkampf

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Verification and Validation Principles from a Systems Perspective
David J. Murray-Smith

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Errors and Uncertainties: Their Sources and Treatment
Christopher J. Roy

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Part II: Foundations Validation as a Scientific Method: Philosophical Frameworks for Thinking about Validation

Invalidation of Models and Fitness-for-purpose: A Rejectionist Approach
Keith Beven & Stuart Lane

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Simulation Validation from a Bayesian Perspective
Claus Beisbart

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Validation of Computer Simulations from a Kuhnian Perspective
Eckhart Arnold

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Understanding Simulation Validation The Hermeneutic Perspective
Nicole J. Saam

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Part III: Methodology Preparatory Steps

Assessing the Credibility of Conceptual Models
Axel Gelfert

** The Foundations of Verification in Modeling and Simulation
William J. Rider

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The Method of Manufactured Solutions for Code Verification
Patrick J. Roache

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Validation Metrics: A Case for Pattern-based Methods
Robert E. Marks

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Analyzing Output from Stochastic Computer Simulations: An Overview
Christine Currie

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Part IV: Methodology Points of Reference and Related Techniques

The Use of Experimental Data in Simulation Model Validation
David J. Murray-Smith

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How to Use and Derive Stylized Facts for Validating Simulation Models
Matthias Meyer

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The Users' Judgements The Stakeholder Approach to Simulation Validation
Nicole J. Saam

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Validation Benchmarks and Related Metrics
Nicole J. Saam

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Part V: Methodology Mathematical Frameworks and Related Techniques

Testing Simulation Models Using Frequentist Statistics
Andrew P. Robinson

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Validation Using Bayesian Methods
Xiaomo Jiang, Xueyu Cheng & Yong Yuan

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Imprecise Probabilities
Seamus Bradley

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Objective Uncertainty Quantification
Ed Dougherty, Lori Dalton & Roozbeh Dehghannasiri

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Part VI: Methodology The Organization and Management of Simulation Validation 

Standards for Evaluation of Atmospheric Models in Environmental Meteorology
K. Heinke Schluenzen

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The Management of Simulation Validation
Fei Liu &Ming Yang

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Valid and Reproducible Simulation Studies - Making It Explicit
Oliver Reinhardt, Tom Warnke, Andreas Ruscheinski & Adelinde M. Uhrmacher

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Part VII: Validation at Work Best Practice-Examples

Validation of Particle Physics Simulation
Peter Mättig

** Validation in Fluid Dynamics and Related Fields
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