Iteration in Conceptual Model Development

Like so many other components of ecological risk assessment, conceptual models are generally developed using an iterative process.

The conceptual model development process is iterative…but not infinite!

Generally, conceptual models are broad and identify as many potential relationships as possible. As more information is incorporated, risk assessors sort through the potentially large number of stressor-effect relationships to identify those that are most appropriate for analysis.

At this point, risk assessors document their justification for selecting and omitting hypotheses. Once the risk questions are selected and the flow diagrams drawn, they set the framework for planning the analysis phase.

Relevant guidelines section(s): 3.4