Design better simulations—and understand why they matter! Join CTML on Wednesday, February 18th for “Simulations Done Right,” a workshop with Alejandro Schuler, CTML Faculty. This workshop will take place at 12:00 PM in Berkeley Way West, 5th Floor, Room 5401.
Abstract: Simulation studies are ubiquitous in statistical research and practice, but students are rarely given formal training in how to design them. Since they are not glamorous, many advisors are happy to delegate them entirely to students, providing little guidance (I count myself as accused!). As a result, many simulation studies fail to address relevant questions, are more complicated and computationally intensive than they need to be, contain bugs, or are not properly described.
In this workshop, students will first learn how to formulate goals for their simulations in the context of their research project and overall rhetorical aims. In particular, we will discuss how theoretical understanding helps to define simulation goals and how carefully iterating between simulation (empirical verification) and theory-building is the basis of scientific understanding. We will then discuss how to implement simulations so that they address goals while being as lightweight as possible, since the ability to quickly iterate on bugs and theory-building is key to being productive and staying engaged. Lastly, students will learn how to write about their simulations in a structured format so that it is clear to readers what the goals are and whether they have been accomplished.