GlossaryGuide

Etym. simulation (n.) noun of action from past participle stem of simulare “imitate,” from stem of similis “like.” Meaning “a model or mock-up for purposes of experiment or training” is from 1954.

Definition

• A technique that creates a situation or environment to allow persons to experience a representation of a real event for the purpose of practice, learning, evaluation, testing, or to gain understanding of systems or human actions.

• A strategy in which a particular set of conditions are created or replicated to resemble authentic situations that are possible in real life. Simulation can incorporate one or more modalities to promote, improve, or validate a participant’s performance. (Gaba,2004).

• An educational technique that replaces or amplifies real experiences with guided experiences that evoke or replicate substantial aspects of the real world in a fully interactive manner (Gaba, 2004).

• A pedagogy using one or more typologies to promote, improve, or validate a participant’s progression from novice to expert. (Meakim et al., 2013).

• The application of a simulator to training and/or assessment. (Society for Simulation in Healthcare)

• A method for implementing a model over time.