Introduction to Models
Brain subjective Models
Contrary to popular belief, the human brain doesn’t passively absorb reality. It’s a dynamic organ that actively constructs models of the world around us, constantly updating and refining them!
Outside our heads lies a vast environment, a symphony of electromagnetic waves, vibrations, and chemicals. Your senses, like eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin, translate this into electrical signals for the brain. In its remarkable efficiency, the brain’s sub-conscience filters out most sensory data and selects what’s necessary for its universe modeling. This intricate process is a testament to the brain’s complexity and ingenuity.
The brain creates perceptions of reality, but perceptions are not reality. These perceptions are extremely limited to what is essential for fitness or survival.
The brain constructs perceptions and interpretations based on sensory input and past experiences. The brain creates a subjective model of reality based on the information it receives rather than directly representing the entire universe.
Each of us experiences the world uniquely. Our subjective perceptions, shaped by our senses, emotions, and past experiences, are a testament to our individuality. They are personal, distinct, and can be influenced by myriad factors, making our understanding of reality unique.
Scientific objective models
In contrast, scientific models are pillars of objectivity. These models are constructed with empirical evidence, logic, and mathematical frameworks to describe and predict phenomena systematically and reproducibly. They are independent of individual perspectives or biases, providing a reliable framework for understanding the world.
Subjective versus Objective Models
It’s crucial to differentiate between our internal experiences and the external frameworks we use to understand the world. Subjective perceptions are our internal experiences shaped by our senses, emotions, and knowledge. On the other hand, scientific models are external frameworks constructed using empirical evidence, logic, and mathematical frameworks to understand and explain the world.
Interpretation and Prediction
The brain interprets these signals with remarkable adaptability. However, it’s important to note that this interpretation is not a perfect copy of the world. It fills in gaps and predicts what will happen next based on past experiences. The brain’s way of interpretation makes illusions work, showcasing its fascinating complexity!
The brain constructs reality using this interpreted data. This “model” is what you perceive as reality.
While a model’s specific form and purpose can vary greatly depending on the field, they all share this core concept of being a simplified representation used for understanding, explaining, or creating something else. Use model representations for various purposes, such as:
Visualization
Models help us see and understand complex things more easily. (e.g., architectural models, scientific models)
Communication
Communication models communicate ideas to others clearly and concisely. (e.g., financial models, business models)
Analysis
Models allow us to analyze and predict how something will behave under different conditions. (e.g., mathematical models, computer models)
Design and Development
Design and development models are used to create and develop new things, such as buildings, products, processes, engineering, and fashion models.
(Hoffman,2018)
Model Examples
Christian Biblical Models
Parables of Jesus
These parables teach profound lessons in a simple and relatable way. For example, the Parable of the Good Samaritan shows us how to treat others compassionately (Luke 10:25-37).
Biblical Characters
Biblical characters can serve as models for us. For instance, Paul often encouraged believers to imitate his faith and perseverance as he followed Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). These models in the Bible help guide us in our journey of faith and provide examples of how we can live according to God’s will.
Jesus
The concept of Jesus Christ is the ultimate example for us to follow. His life, teachings, and sacrificial love are models of selflessness, forgiveness, and redemption. 1 Peter 2:21 says, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.”
Jesus, a Model of Faith
Jesus Himself serves as the ultimate model of faith for us to follow. In His earthly ministry, He showed complete trust in His Father’s will and displayed unwavering faith even amid trials and temptations. As we look to these Bible faith models, we are encouraged to deepen our trust in God and step out boldly in obedience to His Word. The stories of faith woven throughout Scripture continue to inspire believers across generations!
Leadership Model
Use leadership models like Moses, David, and others who led God’s people. These stories show good and bad leadership qualities that we can learn from to lead with wisdom and humility.
God’s Covenant
The concept of God’s covenant relationship with His people is a model. Throughout the Old Testament, God establishes covenants with individuals like Abraham and groups like the Israelites. These covenants serve as models of faithfulness, promises, and obligations between God and His people. The ultimate covenant is in Jesus Christ, who inaugurated a new covenant through His sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 8:6-13).
The Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem
The Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem are models of worship and holiness. They provided a tangible way for God to dwell among His people and for them to approach Him through sacrifices and rituals. These physical structures served as symbols pointing to spiritual truths about God’s presence and our need for redemption. The Bible contains rich models that reveal profound spiritual truths for us to explore!
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
The concept of forgiveness and reconciliation is a model. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of forgiveness extended by God and individuals alike. Jesus Himself emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in teachings like the Lord’s Prayer, where He instructs us to forgive others as God has forgiven us (Matthew 6:14-15).
The Life of Joseph in Genesis
The life of Joseph in the Old Testament is a powerful model of forgiveness and reconciliation. Despite being wronged by his brothers, Joseph chose to forgive and reconcile with them, displaying a profound example of grace and restoration (Genesis 50:15-21). These models in the Bible remind us of the transformative power of forgiveness and inspire us to extend grace to others just as we have received it from God.
Faith
The heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11, often called the “Hall of Faith,” exemplify what it means to trust in God’s promises even when faced with challenges and uncertainties. By their unwavering faith, figures like Abraham, Moses, and Rahab intensely relied on God’s faithfulness and provision (Hebrews 11:1).
Jesus, a Model of Faith
Jesus Himself serves as the ultimate model of faith for us to follow. In His earthly ministry, He showed complete trust in His Father’s will and displayed unwavering faith even amid trials and temptations. As we look to these Bible faith models, we are encouraged to deepen our trust in God and step out boldly in obedience to His Word. The stories of faith woven throughout Scripture continue to inspire believers across generations!
Love
In one of the most famous verses, Jesus emphasizes the importance of love by saying, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34). This model of selfless, sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus serves as a guiding principle for how we should treat others.
1 Corinthians 13 describes true love and how one should express it. The Bible shows us that love is central to meaningfully living out our faith, whether in relationships with friends, family, or enemies. By following Christ’s model of love and the biblical teachings on this topic, we can strive to reflect God’s unconditional and transformative love to those around us. Love truly lies at the heart of the Christian faith!
Humility
The humility displayed by Jesus challenges us to prioritize others above ourselves and to approach life with a servant’s heart. This model of selflessness and modesty starkly contrasts the values often promoted by society. Following Jesus’ example of humility, we can cultivate compassion, generosity, and genuine care for those around us. It’s a powerful reminder that true greatness means serving others with love and humility.
Perseverance and Endurance
The concept of perseverance and endurance: Throughout Scripture, we encounter stories of individuals who faced trials, challenges, and adversity but remained steadfast in their faith. James 1:12 encourages believers by saying, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life.” This verse illustrates the importance of enduring trials with faith and trust in God.
Job’s example is a powerful testament to perseverance in suffering. Despite losing everything dear to him, Job maintained his integrity and trusted God’s sovereignty (Job 42:10-17). These models of perseverance found throughout the Bible inspire us to hold onto our faith during difficult times, knowing that God is faithful and will strengthen us to endure until the end. May we learn from these examples and persevere with hope and courage!
Scientific Objective Models
Scientific Physical Model
Scientific Physical Models are tangible three-dimensional representations of an object or system. They can be scaled-up versions (like a model airplane) or scaled-down versions (like a model of the solar system). Physical models allow scientists to visualize and manipulate objects in a safe and controlled environment.
Scientific Conceptual Model
These are mental models or analogies scientists use to describe a system or process. They are often used to explain complex ideas in a way that is easier to understand. For example, the Bohr atomic model depicts the atom as a miniature solar system with electrons orbiting a central nucleus. While not entirely accurate, this model was a stepping stone in our understanding of atomic structure.
Picture: Conceptual-Model-for-Technology-Based-Science-Assessment_Q320.jpg
Mathematical model
These models represent a system using mathematical equations and relationships. They allow scientists to make quantitative predictions about a system’s behavior under different conditions. For instance, the Ideal Gas Law is a mathematical model that describes the relationship between a gas’s pressure, volume, and temperature.
Computer model
Computer Models are computer programs that simulate a natural process or system. They allow scientists to run experiments and test hypotheses that would be difficult or impossible to carry out in the real world. Climate models are computer models used to simulate the Earth’s climate system and predict how it will change in response to factors like greenhouse gas emissions.
Entity–relationship model
An ER model is usually the result of systematic analysis to define and describe what data is created and needed by processes in a business area. Typically, it represents records of entities and events monitored and directed by business processes rather than the processes themselves.
Picture: Entity-relationship model. (2024, April 7). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entity%E2%80%93relationship_model
Hierarchical data model
Hierarchical data modeling is a type of data modeling that represents data in a tree-like structure. In a hierarchical data model, there is a parent-child relationship between entities. A parent entity can have many child entities, but a child entity can only have one parent entity. Hierarchical data models are often used to model data with a natural hierarchical structure, such as a file system or an organization chart.
Picture: hierarchical.jpg https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/difference-between-hierarchical-and-network-data-model/
Architectural Model
Architectural models include miniaturized representations of buildings or structures for planning, design visualization, and client communication. These can be physical models made from wood or cardboard or digital models created with computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Financial Model
Use models of financial performance or risk to make investment decisions, forecast future earnings, or evaluate a company’s financial health. These models often involve complex calculations and simulations.
Statistical Model
Statistical and mathematical frameworks analyze and interpret data. They help researchers understand relationships between variables, make predictions, and draw conclusions from data sets.
Business Model
A business model defines a business’s core elements, outlining how it creates, delivers, and captures value for its customers. Core elements include the target market, revenue streams, cost structure, and critical activities.
Economic Model
Economic models represent economic systems or processes used to understand economic behavior, formulate economic policies, and predict future economic trends. They range from simple supply-and-demand models to complex macroeconomic ones.
Engineering Model
Engineering models are used to design and analyze engineering systems, such as bridges, airplanes, and electrical circuits. They can be physical prototypes, computer simulations, or mathematical models.
Pedagogical Model
Pedagogical models represent instructional approaches used in education and training. Common examples include the ADDIE model (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate) for instructional design or the flipped classroom model, where students learn concepts at home and practice them in class.
Visualization Model
Visualization Models are graphical representations of data or concepts communicating information clearly and engagingly. They can include charts, graphs, diagrams, or 3D models.
Art Model
Art models include people who pose for artists to use as a reference while creating paintings, sculptures, or other works of art. There’s also a concept of an artistic model, which is a recurring theme, motif, or object used in an artist’s work.
Mechanical Model
Mechanical models are physical representations that use levers, gears, and other mechanisms to mimic the behavior of a real-world system. An example might be a mechanical linkage model used to illustrate the motion of a car suspension.
Atomic Model
Scientific representations of an atom’s structure depict the arrangement of protons, neutrons, and electrons. These models have evolved as our understanding of atomic structure has improved.
Musical Model
Musical models can refer to a musical scale, a system of arranging musical notes, or a model of musical composition that captures the essence of a particular musical style or genre.
Role Model
Role models exemplify desirable behavior, inspire others to follow their path, or emulate their qualities. You can find role models in various fields, from athletes and scientists to community leaders and everyday heroes.
Object-oriented data model
Object-oriented data modeling is a type of data modeling based on the principles of object-oriented programming. Object-oriented programming encapsulates data within objects, Which are self-contained units of data and behavior. Object-oriented data models use classes to define the properties and methods of objects, which are abstracts of actual entities. The objects have attributes and methods representing behaviors and are members of a class of similar objects with Shared attributes and methods.
Conceptual data model
Conceptual data modeling is a high-level representation of the data involved in a system. It focuses on the entities, their attributes, and the relationships between them. It doesn’t address the specifics of data storage or implementation.
Logical data model
Logical data modeling provides more detail than the conceptual model. It specifies the data structures, data types, and constraints that will be used to store the data. However, it’s still independent of any specific database management system.
Physical data model
At the most detailed level, the physical data model translates the logical data model into the specific data structures and storage mechanisms used by a particular database management system and is considered the blueprint for creating the database.
Fashion model
Fashion modeling represents clothing designers on a runway. Print showcases specialties like swimsuits, fashions for different body types, and other body parts like hands, feet, hair, and fitness wear.
Other fashion models include Promotional modeling, child modeling, mature modeling, and stock photography modeling.
Reference
Hoffman, D. D.(2018). The Case Against Reality: Why Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes (First ed.) W.W. Norton & Company