explanatory modeling
/ˌɛk.spləˈneɪ.tɔːr.i ˈmɒd.əlɪŋ/ · ex·plan·a·to·ry mod·el·ing
noun
- A statistical or computational model whose primary purpose is to clarify the relationships among variables rather than to forecast future observations. The researcher used explanatory modeling to uncover how socioeconomic factors influence health outcomes.
- The practice of constructing such models, emphasizing interpretability and causal insight. Explanatory modeling is favored in the social sciences where understanding mechanisms is crucial.
Synonyms
descriptive modelingcausal modelinginterpretive modelingtheoretical modelingexplanatory analysisexplanatory statisticsmechanistic modelinginsight‑driven modeling
Antonyms
Did you know? The term "explanatory modeling" was popularized in a 2009 paper by Shmueli, who argued for a clear distinction between models built to explain and those built to predict.