Modeling in computer science is what? Types and stages of modeling

In this paper, we propose to discuss in detail the topic of modeling in computer science. This section is of great importance for the training of future specialists in the field of information technology.

To solve any problem (industrial or scientific) computer science uses the following chain:

It should pay special attention to the concept of "model". Without the presence of this link, the solution of the problem will not be possible. Why is the model used and what is meant by this term? We'll talk about this in the next section.

Model

Modeling in informatics is the drawing up of an image of any really existing object that reflects all the essential features and properties. The model for the solution of the problem is necessary, since it, in fact, is used in the solution process.

In the school course of computer science, the theme of modeling begins to be studied in the sixth grade. At the very beginning of children it is necessary to introduce the concept of the model. What it is?

• Simplified similarity of the object;
• Reduced copy of the real object;
• Scheme of the phenomenon or process;
• An image of a phenomenon or process;
• Description of the phenomenon or process;
• Physical analog of the object;
• Information analog;
• A substitute object that reflects the properties of a real object and so on.

The model is a very broad concept, as has already become clear from the above. It is important to note that all models are divided into groups:

• Material;
• Ideal.

A material model is understood as an object based on an actual object. It can be any body or process. This group is divided into two more types:

• Physical;
• Analog.

Such a classification is conditional, since it is very difficult to draw a clear boundary between these two subspecies.

The ideal model is even more difficult to characterize. It is related to:

• Thinking;
• Imagination;
• Perception.

It can include works of art (theater, painting, literature and so on).

Objectives of modeling

Modeling in computer science is a very important stage, as it pursues a lot of goals. Now we suggest to get acquainted with them.

First of all, modeling helps to know the world around us. From time immemorial people accumulated the acquired knowledge and passed it on to their descendants. Thus there was a model of our planet (globe).

In past centuries, modeling of non-existent objects was carried out, which are now firmly entrenched in our lives (umbrella, mill, etc.). Currently, the imaging is aimed at:

• Identification of the consequences of any process (increasing the cost of transportation or disposal of chemical waste under the ground);
• Ensuring the effectiveness of decisions.

Modeling tasks

We mentioned in the article what is modeling in computer science. This process has some tasks, which we will discuss in this section.

What is the task in modeling? Suppose that we have a problem, to solve it we need to solve a number of problems. That is, the task is a problem that must be dealt with. It is important to note that all tasks can be divided into two large groups.

Verbal model

What are the methods of modeling? Informatics uses only two methods - information and mathematical. But it's important to mention one more kind of model - the verbal one. About it, we now talk a little more.

The verbal model refers to the category of ideal or abstract. This description with the help of letters, words, sentences. These models include:

• protocol;
• Traffic Laws;
• Information in the educational literature;
• fiction;
• Oral or written description of any object, process or phenomenon.

Mathematical model

What other types of models are studied in computer science? Information modeling and mathematical (algorithmic) are usually divided. Although, as mentioned before, the boundaries between verbal, mathematical and information models are very conditional.

In simple terms, the mathematical model describes any situation from a mathematical point of view. Not noticing for ourselves, we are engaged in mathematical modeling every day. For example: Mom sends the child for bread and milk. She knows how much these products cost in the store next to the house. Now you need to calculate how much money to give the child. Suppose that milk costs 75 rubles and 50 kopecks, and bread - 30 rubles 20 kopecks. The whole purchase will cost 105 rubles, 70 kopecks (75.5 + 30.2). This is an example of a mathematical model.

Information model

Now let's talk about one more kind of models studied in the school course of computer science. Computer modeling, which must be mastered by every future IT specialist, includes the process of implementing the information model using computer tools. But what is this, an information model?

It is a list of information about an object. What does this model describe, and what useful information does it bear:

• Properties of the modeled object;
• His condition;
• Communication with the outside world;
• Relations with external objects.

What can serve as an information model:

• Verbal description;
• text;
• drawing;
• table;
• Scheme;
• drawing;
• Formula and so on.

A distinctive feature of the information model is that it can not be touched, taste, and so on. It does not carry a material embodiment, since it is presented in the form of information.

System approach to creating a model

In which class of the school program does modeling study? Informatics 9 class introduces students to this topic in more detail. It is in this class that the child learns about the system approach of modeling. We propose to talk about this in more detail.

Let's start with the concept of "system". This is a group of interrelated elements that act together to accomplish the task. To construct a model, a system approach is often used, since the object is viewed as a system functioning in some environment. If any complex object is modeled, then the system is divided into smaller parts - subsystems.

Purpose of use

Now we will consider the purposes of modeling (computer science 11 class). Earlier it was said that all models are divided into several types and classes, but the boundaries between them are arbitrary. There are several signs on which it is customary to classify models: a goal, a field of knowledge, a time factor, a way of representation.

As for the objectives, it is customary to distinguish the following types:

• Training;
• Experienced;
• Imitating;
• Game;
• Scientific and technical.

The first kind includes teaching materials. To the second reduced or enlarged copies of real objects (model of construction, aircraft wing and so on). The simulation model allows you to predict the outcome of an event. Simulation is often used in medicine and the social sphere. For example, the model helps to understand how people will react to this or that reform? Before doing a serious operation for a person to organ transplant, many experiments were carried out. In other words, the simulation model allows to solve the problem by the "trial and error" method. The game model is a kind of economic, business or military game. Using this model, you can predict the behavior of an object in different situations. The scientific and technical model is used to study a process or phenomenon (a device simulating a lightning discharge, a model of the motion of the planets of the solar system, and so on).

Field of knowledge

In which class of students are introduced in more detail with modeling? Informatics of the 9th grade focuses on preparing its students for examinations for admission to higher educational institutions. Since in the EGE and GIA tickets there are questions on modeling, now it is necessary to consider this topic in as much detail as possible. And so, how is the classification according to the field of knowledge? According to this feature, the following types are distinguished:

• Biological (for example, artificially caused in animals diseases, genetic disorders, malignant neoplasms);
• Economic (model of the firm's behavior, model of the formation of the market price, and so on);
• Historical (genealogical tree, models of historical events, a model of the Roman army, and the like);
• Sociological (model of personal interest, behavior of bankers in adapting to new economic conditions), and so on.

Time factor

According to this characteristic, there are two types of models:

• Dynamic;
• Static.

Already, judging by one name, it is not difficult to guess that the first kind reflects the functioning, development and change of an object in time. The static is capable of describing the object at any particular moment in time. This kind is sometimes called structural, because the model reflects the structure and parameters of the object, that is, it provides a section of information about it.

Examples of the dynamic model are:

• A set of formulas reflecting the motion of the planets of the solar system;
• Graph of air temperature change;
• A video recording of a volcanic eruption and so on.

Examples of the statistical model are:

• List of planets of the solar system;
• Map of the locality and so on.

Method of representation

For starters it is very important to say that all models have a form and a form, they are always made from something, somehow represented or described. According to this characteristic, it is customary to classify the models in this way:

• Material;
• Intangible.

The first kind includes material copies of existing objects. They can be touched, sniffed and so on. They reflect the external or internal properties, the actions of an object. Why do we need material models? They are used for the experimental method of cognition (the experimental method).

We have already applied to non-material models earlier. They use the theoretical method of cognition. Such models are usually called ideal or abstract. This category is divided into several subspecies: imaginary models and information.

Information models provide a list of various information about the object. As an information model, tables, figures, verbal descriptions, diagrams and so on can act. Why is this model called immaterial? The thing is that it can not be touched, since it has no material embodiment. Among the information models distinguish sign and visual.

An imaginary model is one of the stages of modeling. This is a creative process that takes place in the imagination of a person who precedes the creation of a material object.

Stages of modeling

The topic on computer science of the 9th grade "Modeling and formalization" is very weighty. It is obligatory to study. In 9-11 class the teacher is obliged to acquaint pupils with the stages of creating models. This we now and will. So, the following stages of modeling are distinguished:

• A meaningful statement of the problem;
• Mathematical formulation of the problem;
• Development with the use of computers;
• Operation of the model;
• Obtaining the result.

It is important to note that when studying everything that surrounds us, the processes of modeling, formalization are used. Informatics is a subject devoted to modern methods of studying and solving any problems. Consequently, the emphasis is on models that can be implemented with the help of a computer. Particular attention in this topic should be given to the development of an algorithm for solving solutions using electronic computers.

Relations between objects

Now let's talk a little about the links between objects. There are three types:

• One to one (this connection is denoted by a one-way arrow in one or the other direction);
• One to many (multiple links are denoted by a double arrow);
• Many to many (such a connection is indicated by a double arrow).

It is important to note that the links can be conditional and unconditional. Unconditional communication involves the use of each instance of the object. And only certain elements are involved in the conditional.