This document discusses model thinking and different types of models. It states that models are approximations of reality and while all models are wrong, some can be useful. It discusses using models to think more clearly, understand data, and make decisions. Model thinking involves using data to create data models to gain insights and make predictions. A single model can apply to multiple problems and multiple models can be used to study one problem. The document lists different types of models used across individual decision making, organizations, biological systems, physical systems, and more.
3. Models
"The most that can be expected from any
model is that it can supply a useful
approximation to reality.
All models are wrong; some models are
useful."
George Box
8. 8
The Many Model Thinker
One model many applications
Many models one application
Scott E. Page
9. Model Thinking
9
The wisdom or madness of crowds is due to independence and diversity of
models for solving a problem
Scott E. Page
A model can apply to multiple
disciplines
This leverages insight across
disciplines
Model
Proble
m
Proble
m
Proble
m
Multiple models can be used to
study a problem
Model
2
Proble
m
Model
3
Model
1
11. 11
Social models:
Segregation and peer
effects
Aggregation of numbers,
preferences, ?
Randomness, random
processes ,random walks
Cellular automata for social
and biological systems
Convergence and optimality
Probability
Social models:
Segregation and peer
effects
Decision making: rational
actor, behavioral, rule based
Numerical and categorical
data
Linear and nonlinear
Regression and
classification models
Emergence, tipping points,
contagion, SIS, diffusion,
percolation
Growth models, exponential
growth, Solow growth model
Problem solving,
perspectives and innovation
Heuristics
Problem solving and teams
Markov processes
Decision models
Decision models
Coordination and culture
Emergence of culture
Path dependence
Chaos
Increasing returns to scale
Network, structure, logic,
formation
Skills and luck
Game theory and Colonel
Blotto game
Decision models
Competition
Cooperation and collective
action
Prediction and diversity
The Many Model Thinker
Editor's Notes
#4: Back to Scott Page who again coined the term and has huge influence worldwide now from his MOOC that weve all taken. I think we all agree it was most influential MOOC
From the introductory lecture of his course
Brain is a real time 3-D modeler, takes in sensory perception and makes predictions about movement
Models for prediction and insight
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Wisdom of crowds, value of diversity
How do numbers aggregate ? Add, multiply, set logic,
How do infinitesimal volumes and properties aggregate? Volume integral
How do random numbers aggregate? Law of large numbers, variance,
How do independent random errors add? Central limit theorem (normal distribution)
How do independent random errors multiply? Central limit theorem (log normal distribution)
How do preferences aggregate ?
How do rules aggregate ?
How do individual behaviors aggregate to the organization level ?
Rational ?
Behavioral ?
Rule based ?
#11: From the intro lecture of his MOOC. Apply one model to many problems. Thats not the way universities work.
Simplex story
Apply multiple models to one problem. Scott proved that better results insight and predictions result