6.4.1 Structural Tests
Structural (validation) tests are designed to assure:
- Boundary Adequacy. The boundaries we define and place around any module, sector or model include all important and relevant endogenous factors and exclude those exogenous factors or forces over which we have little or no control. Defining boundaries and subsequent testing must consider potential impacts of overly or unnecessarily extending model-building activities.
- Structural Adequacy. Structure in our models represents the true essence of cause-and-effect. The structure, that which so strongly influences behaviour is tested to determine consistency with real-world behaviour represented through the modules, sectors and models we build. Design and conduct of testing is informed by our knowledge of the functional components and how they contribute to dynamic behaviour, particularly when linked together and assembled into modules, sectors and models. Functional components are state variables, auxiliary variables (including constants), physical flows, information flows, delays, and feedback mechanisms.