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Model
Categories:
A model is a simplified representation of a system of interest. In the way we use the term, we also mean that a model is:
- abstract and general (i.e. largely free of non-modifiable data, including numeric values, that are assumption- or context- specific) and
- a tool (i.e. a model can be used to help undertake an analysis, it is not the analysis itself).
If a model is developed primarily to inform a decision or set of decisions (e.g. relating to youth mental health policy and system design) it can be called a decision model.
Ideally, a model should have three inter-related representations - conceptual, mathematical and computational.
Conceptual Model
A conceptual model refers to underlying theory and beliefs about a system of interest that can be described in words and pictures.
Mathematical Model
A mathematical model formalises a conceptual model as a set of equations.
Computational Model
A computational model implements the conceptual and mathematical models of a system of interest as computer code.
ready4 is a computational model of youth mental health. More specifically, the ready4 computational model is the complete set of ready4 modules.