Improving Information for Social Policy Decisions -- The Uses of Microsimulation Modeling Volume I, Review and Recommendations (1991) / Chapter Skim
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10 Documentation and Archiving
10 Documentation and Archiving
Pages 265-272
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From page 265... ...
Without good archiving, it is very difficult to undertake activities such as validation studies that examine past model performance. 11bis section benefited greatly from a paper reviewing the documentation of the TRIM2, MATH, and HITSM models, prepared by panel member Kevin Hollenbeck (in Volume II)
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From page 266... ...
In other cases, the documentation may be adequate for the programmers and analysts who work with the model regularly, but inadequate for others who may use the model only occasionally or for analysts who work only with the model outputs. There are strategies that can help facilitate good documentation, such as requiring programmers to include adequate comments in their code, building features into the models such as automatic links to a central variable directory whenever new or modified variables are specified, and taking full advantage of features of word processing systems that permit ready updating of all parts of the documentation affected by changes in particular model components.2 However, an essential element of obtaining adequate documentation has to remain the commitment of the model sponsors to the importance of the task.
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From page 267... ...
People who interpret model outputs need understandable descriptions of the model's design, how it works, and the assumptions underlying various model components. They also need information about the particular specifications that were used in model runs, such as the parameters of the proposed policy changers)
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From page 268... ...
A DOCUMENTATION CASE STUDY Using the criteria and standards outlined above, the panel undertook a review of the available documentation for three representative static microsimulation models of income support programs—TRIM2, MATH, and HITSM.3 Our findings from this review were discouraging with regard to the current state of model documentation: · The TRIM2 and MATH documentation serve primarily a reference function for both experienced analysts and programmers, although TRIM2 provides some useful instructional material as well. The HITSM documentation serves primarily an informational purpose for a nonexpert audience and is wholly inadequate as a guide for model users.
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Epically, policy analysis agencies contract for the services of experienced model analysts who, in mm, provide specifications for programmers to implement. In the process, the models are constantly being updated and changed.
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From page 270... ...
, that the continued ability of micro~simulation models to provide high-quality, relevant, and cost-effective service to the policy analysis function depends critically on making the models more accessible to a broader community of users, including He agencies' own staffs. (We develop He latter point further in Chapter 11.)
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From page 271... ...
In order to facilitate model validation, we recommend that policy analysis agencies require archiving of microsimulation model databases on a regular basis. In addition, we recommend that the agencies require full documentation and archiving of major applications of microsimulation models.
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From page 272... ...
272 MICROSIMULATION AS A POLICY ANALYSIS TOOL major responsibility for preparing comprehensive documentation on a regular and timely basis and for managing an archiving system may be beneficial. Such an arrangement would also bring fresh perspectives to the models themselves.
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