We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Technology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Conceptual Modeling?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,754
Share

Conceptual modeling develops the representation of entities and their relationships in a format that is easy to read and understand. It provides important information that can be used in more advanced modeling and may be applied not just in the sciences, but also in business, education, and other fields. This process may involve feedback and data from several sources to create a complete and detailed picture. Examples of conceptual models can be seen in textbooks, scientific papers, and other documentation.

In the design of a conceptual model, people consider the most important entities in the system they are trying to model. Someone evaluating public schools, for example, might think about students, teachers, administrators, facilities, and other entities that play a role in education delivery. Each can be represented with its own entry in the model. The next step involves the creation of connections, showing the network of links in the system. For example, administrators are linked to teachers and facilities.

Basic conceptual models can be made by using boxes or other shapes to represent entities and laying them out on paper with lines to show connections. Some conceptual modeling may involve the use of computer programs for more complex models. These may need to be displayed in layers or other formats that are difficult to convey with a flat mapping technique. In the development phases, it may also be necessary to move entities and connections to display the model clearly and effectively, and computer modeling can make this much easier.

There are a number of uses for a conceptual model. One is a demonstration of what an organization does and how it accomplishes it, for the benefit of investors, members of the public, and other interested parties. Researchers can use conceptual modeling to develop a hypothesis about a concept or phenomenon and create a network of connections to explore in the course of a study. Conceptual modeling can also help with planning organizations, research teams, and other groups. Laying out different functions and their relationships can provide information about where leadership, technology, and other resources are needed.

Tools for conceptual modeling can include brainstorming sessions where people involved with a project get together, along with computer utilities specifically designed for modeling. As a project progresses, more in-depth modeling may become necessary. A computer can build on the original conceptual model to create a more detailed and specific representation.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-conceptual-modeling.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.