Editing Scientific theory (section)

====Differences between theory and model====
{{main|Conceptual model}}
Several commentators<ref>For example, Reese & Overto (1970); Lerner (1998); also Lerner & Teti (2005), in the context of modeling human behavior.</ref> have stated that the distinguishing characteristic of theories is that they are explanatory as well as descriptive, while models are only descriptive (although still predictive in a more limited sense). Philosopher [[Stephen Pepper]] also distinguished between theories and models and said in 1948 that general models and theories are predicated on a "root" metaphor that constrains how scientists theorize and model a phenomenon and thus arrive at testable hypotheses.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}

Engineering practice makes a distinction between "mathematical models" and "physical models"; the cost of fabricating a physical model can be minimized by first creating a mathematical model using a computer software package, such as a [[computer-aided design]] tool. The component parts are each themselves modelled, and the fabrication tolerances are specified. An [[exploded view drawing]] is used to lay out the fabrication sequence. Simulation packages for displaying each of the subassemblies allow the parts to be rotated, and magnified, in realistic detail. Software packages for creating the bill of materials for construction allow subcontractors to specialize in assembly processes, which spreads the cost of manufacturing machinery among multiple customers. See: [[Computer-aided engineering]], [[Computer-aided manufacturing]], and [[3D printing]]{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}