Revisiting computer modeling
Introduction. Modeling serves as a methodological basis for modern science and a tool for cognitive activity. It can be considered as a thinking activity mediated and optimized through information models. In this case, logical operations of cognition and simulation techniques are applied to the information. Materials and Methods. The scientific research results on how knowledge is formed, stored and processed in a person's memory, how they interact with information representations are studied and summarized. Information models used in various subject domains are analyzed. The provisions on rational ways of presenting information under modeling are formulated, and computer tools for constructing such representations are indicated. Results. Methods and techniques for visualizing information on the object under study are specified. Software tools and services providing visualizations and research modeling procedures are given. Discussion and Conclusions. The results obtained can be used to optimize modeling procedures. Images, structures, relationships and connections of the object under study are visualized in special programs with the help of the described methods and techniques. They, in turn, mediate the process of mental modeling and broaden the basis for its implementation.