Investigations into the World3 Model: Lessons for Understanding Complicated Models

Methodological lessons are drawn from a broad analysis of the World3 model. It is argued that model understanding is a crucial part of the modeling approach. Generalization of the experiences with World3 leads to a proposal for a general approach to understanding complicated models. First, certain general attitudes are recommended. Subsequently, a strategy for model analysis is presented in algorithmic form and illustrated by reference to the World3 study. Finally, an extensive list of tools and techniques is given that may be useful in many phases of model analysis.