GlossaryGuide

Etym. virtual (adj.) The meaning “being something in essence or effect, though not actually or in fact” is from mid-15c., probably via sense of “capable of producing a certain effect” (early 15c.). Computer sense of “not physically existing but made to appear by software” is attested from 1959.

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

• The recreation of reality depicted on a computer screen (McGovern, 1994).

• A simulation involving real people operating simulated systems. Virtual simulations may include surgical simulators that are used for on-screen procedural training and are usually integrated with haptic device(s) (McGovern, 1994; Robles-De La Torre, 2011).

• A type of simulation that injects humans in a central role by exercising motor control skills (for example, flying an airplane), decision skills ( committing fire control resources to action), or communication skills (as members of an air traffic control team) (Hancock et al, 2008).