Three main approaches are needed to unscramble a
complicated system. (1) One can take it apart and characterize all the isolated bits – what they are made of
and how they work. (2) Then one can find exactly
where each part is located in the system in relation to
all the other parts and how they interact with each
other. These two approaches are unlikely, by themselves, to reveal exactly how the system works. (3) To do
this one must also study the behavior of the system
and its components while interfering very delicately
with its various parts, to see what effect such alterations have on behavior at all levels (Crick, 1988).
Chapter 12
Model development and methodology
Black Mesa
Maiden Creek
Oblique aerial photograph of the eastern slope of Mt.
Hillers in the Henry Mountains, Utah. The Black Mesa
laccolith and Maiden Creek sill form the black, cliff-forming
outcrops.
complicated system. (1) One can take it apart and characterize all the isolated bits – what they are made of
and how they work. (2) Then one can find exactly
where each part is located in the system in relation to
all the other parts and how they interact with each
other. These two approaches are unlikely, by themselves, to reveal exactly how the system works. (3) To do
this one must also study the behavior of the system
and its components while interfering very delicately
with its various parts, to see what effect such alterations have on behavior at all levels (Crick, 1988).
Chapter 12
Model development and methodology
Black Mesa
Maiden Creek
Oblique aerial photograph of the eastern slope of Mt.
Hillers in the Henry Mountains, Utah. The Black Mesa
laccolith and Maiden Creek sill form the black, cliff-forming
outcrops.