A MetaModel is a model that describes a model -- the class variables of a particular kind of model or a way of discovering a model. -- RaySchneider
MetaModels are generic models -- the class structure of models or properties of models. I also think of MetaModels as a way of discovering models in a particular application arena. Some examples that I use are:
- W5H The Journalist's MetaModel -- Who? What? When? Why? Where? How? these questions summarize the entities that can be known about an event, properly adjusted for the domain.
- {SPA/E(M)}+ -- A System Model -- Sensation Perception Action IN AN Environment CONDITIONED BY Mobility -- the curly braces denote a Set_Of and the + indicates one or more.
- {S/R}+ -- Stimulus Response Nets -- these are event triggered entities
- {IPO/D}+ -- Input -- Process -- Output (Data) -- this is the basic entity in a Jackson Decomposition as I interpreted when I was starting out. Combined into networks all systems can be modeled. It is related to and can be recast into {SPA/E(M)} form.
- Force Field Analysis -- a technique for discussing barriers to progress composed of tabulating supporting and resisting forces and then looking at both enhancement and removal strategies.
- SOM -- Subject Object Modeling -- based on ELM EntityLifeModeling? -- A Subject is an entity with a long time-like thread that controls things (Objects) and is Persistent in the environment. Objects tend to obey a S/R structure -- you call them, they run and die after doing a service. Systems are composed of intercommunicating sets of Subjects and Objects.
Any others that people can think of to add? ... --
RaySchneider
See http://www.metamodel.com
For a comparative look at MetaModels and other models, See http://www.metamodel.com/article.php?story=20030115211223271&mode=print
Meta Model