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Can we learn from simplified simulation models? An experimental study on user learning

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Stewart RobinsonORCiD

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Abstract

© 2020, © Operational Research Society 2020.Simple models are considered useful for decision making, especially when decisions are made by a group of stakeholders. This paper describes an experimental study that investigates whether the level of model detail affects users’ learning. Our subjects, undergraduate students, were asked to solve a resource utilisation task for an ambulance service problem. They worked in groups under three different conditions, based on the type of simulation model used (specifically a simple, adequate or no model at all), to analyse the problem and reach conclusions. A before and after questionnaire and a group presentation capture the participants’ individual and group attitudes towards the solution. Our results suggest that differences in learning from using the two different models were not significant, while simple model users demonstrated a better understanding of the problem. The outcomes and implications of our findings are discussed, alongside the limitations and future work.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Tako AA, Tsioptsias N, Robinson S

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Simulation

Year: 2020

Volume: 14

Issue: 2

Pages: 130-144

Print publication date: 02/04/2020

Online publication date: 09/01/2020

Acceptance date: 22/10/2019

ISSN (print): 1747-7778

ISSN (electronic): 1747-7786

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/17477778.2019.1704636

DOI: 10.1080/17477778.2019.1704636

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