File: 10 October 2026 · Source date: 10 October 2026
What does verification ask?
Validation tests whether equations and algorithms are applied as intended. The error-free operation of a software does not alone show that the model represents the real world correctly.
Why is validation separate?
Validation compares model output to independent observations or experiments. NASA's model and simulation standard requires that the purpose of use, quality of evidence, uncertainty, and the impact of the results on the decision be evaluated together.
Confidence interval
The boundaries of the model should be clearly written, sensitivity analyses should be performed, and unknowns should not be hidden. The same simulation may be sufficient for training, inadequate for a safety-critical decision.
discussion question
What independent tests would you like to see you rely on in a simulation?
Resources and further reading
NASA — Standard for Models and Simulations ↗NASA — Credibility Assessment Scale ↗Share your answer
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Established science, active research, and philosophical speculation are clearly separated.