Models represent systems, their elements and functional replationships, and suggest explanations that can be tested, verified, or rejected. This is a difficult and important use of models. The model can also serve as a device to separate laws from generalizations. 4 Models are also simulation devices. Models can serve as experimental media.
Models are tools and procedures.
Models are simplifications. These are often referred to as simple models. Models can also serve as norms and systems of reference. 10 Models are analogies. The function of the model is to simulate and predict.