Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Conjecture
Initial Hypothesis
Obtain Data
Test Hypothesis
Has
Objective
Been
Reached?
No
Modify
Hypothesis
Yes
State Solution
FIGURE 13.1
Flow chart for modeling.
While models can continue to be made more complex, it is important to evaluate the
value added with each stage of complexity. The model should be made as simple as possi-
ble to explain the data but not so simple that it becomes meaningless. On the other hand, a
model that is made too complex is also of little use.
13.1.1 Deterministic and Stochastic Models
A deterministic model is one that has an exact solution that relates the independent
variables of the model to one another and to the dependent variable. For a given set of
initial conditions, a deterministic model yields the same solution each and every time.
A stochastic model involves random variables that are functions of time and include prob-
abilistic considerations. For a given set of initial conditions, a stochastic model yields a
different solution each and every time. Suffice it to say that solutions involving stochastic
models are much more involved than the solution for a deterministic model.
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