Communication Models The Advantages of Models Mortensen: "A good model is useful,then,in providing both general perspective and particular vantage points from which to ask questions and to interpret the raw stuff of observation.The more complex the subject matter-the more amorphous and elusive the natural boundaries-the greater are the potential rewards of model building. They should clarify complexity. Models also clarify the structure of complex events.They do this,as Chapanis(1961) noted,by reducing complexity to simpler,more familiar terms...Thus,the aim of a model is not to ignore complexity or to explain it away,but rather to give it order and coherence. ● They should lead us to new discoveries-most important,according to Mortensen. ● At another level models have heuristic value;that is,they provide new ways to conceive of hypothetical ideas and relationships.This may well be their most important function.With the aid of a good model,suddenly we are jarred from conventional modes of thought.... ldeally,any model,even when studied casually,should offer new insights and culminate in what can only be described as an“Ahal” experience. Communication Models The Advantages of Models  Mortensen: “A good model is useful, then, in providing both general perspective and particular vantage points from which to ask questions and to interpret the raw stuff of observation. The more complex the subject matter—the more amorphous and elusive the natural boundaries—the greater are the potential rewards of model building.”  They should clarify complexity.  Models also clarify the structure of complex events. They do this, as Chapanis (1961) noted, by reducing complexity to simpler, more familiar terms. . . Thus, the aim of a model is not to ignore complexity or to explain it away, but rather to give it order and coherence.  They should lead us to new discoveries-most important, according to Mortensen.  At another level models have heuristic value; that is, they provide new ways to conceive of hypothetical ideas and relationships. This may well be their most important function. With the aid of a good model, suddenly we are jarred from conventional modes of thought. . . . Ideally, any model, even when studied casually, should offer new insights and culminate in what can only be described as an “Aha!” experience