Perspectives on Simulation and Miniaturization. Professional Paper No. 1472.

Simulation--here defined as a physical, procedural, or symbolic representation of certain aspects of a functioning system, or as a working model or representation of a real world system--has at least four areas of application: (1) training where the objective of simulation is to provide the trainee with a learning environment that will facilitate the acquisition of a skill or body of knowledge, (2) performance measurement in the determination of limits of proficiency, research requirements, or training needs, (3) system evaluation in terms of operating objectives, and (4) research where it is important to control and examine certain aspects of the environment. Among the reasons for using simulation techniques rather than other methodologies are: expense and time; safety; ethical or political constraints; past, future, or hypothetical events; and control over real-world events. Several advantages of simulation over other methodologies for training, evaluation, and research are presented together with a conceptual framework for assessing the utility of its application to specific problems. Miniaturization, as a special form of simulation, is described with reference to two military training situations--aircraft identification and marksmanship practice. Some areas needing further research are also presented. (DGC)