Simulator

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 setting, device, computer program or system that performs simulation (Hancock et al, 2008).

• Any object or representation used during training or assessment that behaves or operates like a given system and responds to the user’s actions (Society for Simulation in Healthcare).

• A device that duplicates the essential features of a task situation. A simulator generally has three elements – a modelled process which represents, emulates, or otherwise simulates a real-world system; a control system; and a human-machine interface which is representative of the inputs found in the real-world system (Australian Department of Defense). Examples include manikins and part-task trainers.

See also: COMPUTER-BASED SIMULATION, MANIKIN, SERIOUS GAMES, SCREEN-BASED SIMULATION, SIMULATED PATIENT, STANDARDIZED PATIENT, TASK TRAINER, VIRTUAL REALITY