The Validity of Computational Models in Organization Science: From Model Realism to Purpose of the Model

Computational and Mathematical Organization Theory, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 57-71, 1995

Posted: 24 Jan 2007 Last revised: 24 Mar 2019

See all articles by Rich Burton

Rich Burton

Duke University - Fuqua School of Business

Borge Obel

Aarhus University - ICOA

Abstract

Computational models are widely applied to address fundamental and practical issues in organization science. Yet, computational modeling in organization science continues to raise questions of validity. In this paper, we argue that computational validity is a balance of three elements: the question or purpose, the experimental design, and the computational model. Simple models which address the question are preferred. Non-simple, imbalanced computational models are not only inefficient but can lead to poor answers. The validity approach is compared with well-known validity criteria in social science. Finally we apply the approach to a number of computational modeling studies in organization science, beginning with Cyert's. They were pioneering and are examples of well designed computational models.

Keywords: simulation, validation, computional models, organization science

JEL Classification: C00, C63, C9, D2

Suggested Citation

Burton, Richard M and Obel, Børge, The Validity of Computational Models in Organization Science: From Model Realism to Purpose of the Model. Computational and Mathematical Organization Theory, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 57-71, 1995, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=957625

Richard M Burton (Contact Author)

Duke University - Fuqua School of Business ( email )

Box 90120
Durham, NC 27708-0120
United States

Børge Obel

Aarhus University - ICOA ( email )

Fuglesangs Alle 20
Aarhus, DK-8210
Denmark

HOME PAGE: http://www.icoa.dk