It Takes a Village to Run a Model—The Social Practices of Hydrological Modeling

Abstract

Computer models are frequently used tools in hydrological research. Many decisions related to the model set-up and configuration have to be made before a model can be run, influencing the model results. This study is an empirical investigation of the motivations for certain modeling decisions. Fourteen modelers from three different institutes were interviewed about their modeling decisions. In total, 83 different motivations were identified. Most motivations were related to the team of the modeler and the modelers themselves, “Experience from colleagues” was the most frequently mentioned motivation. Both institutionalization and internalization were observed: a modeler can introduce a concept that subsequently becomes the teams' standard, or a modeler can internalize the default team approach. These processes depend on the experience of the modeler. For model selection, two types of motivations were identified: experience (from colleagues or the modelers themselves), and model vision (the model has assets that align with the modeling vision). Model studies are mainly driven by context, such as time constraints, colleagues, and facilities at the institute, rather than epistemic (such as aligning with the modeling vision). The role of local context in the construction of and the value assigned to models shows that models are social constructs, making model results time, and place dependent. To account for this context in the estimation of the robustness of model results, we need a diversity of opinions, perspectives, and approaches. This requires transparent modeling procedures and an explicit modeling vision for each model study.