Parameter

The value to which parameters are set restrict what results are possible to achieve within an alternative (Sage and Rouse, 1999: 938). Parameter, as used in this book, means a determining characteristic, feature, or prominent factor. It is closely related to the mathematical definition of a parameter as a special variable because a parameter is a controllable factor that has a main role in determining the basic form and function of an alternative. This is like a parameter in a mathematical function or statistical distribution because the value to which a mathematical or statistical parameter is set determines the specific form of the function or the shape of the distribution.