Opportunities and prejudices in synthetic experiments

Abstract Synthetic experiments, meaning experiments performed using models of reality, are used in a variety of contexts. In recent years, advances in computing capability have led to the development of modelling capability that replicates reality to such an extent that in some circumstances it is difficult to distinguish the model from reality. From a science or engineering perspective, computational analysis models are used to replicate or predict phenomena such as fluid flow or stress in a machine component, but the capability has also crossed over into the arts enabling the computer generated imagery (CGI) used in films, and the augmented reality (AR) of video games. This paper reviews the application of synthetic experiments to replace physical experiments and discusses some of the advantages and pitfalls of such an approach in the context of education. The trend for democratizing analysis is considered, and the dangers of misinterpreting results are discussed. A discussion of the issue of model over–simplification is given, and finally the use of synthetic experiments as part of a systematic scientific investigation is also considered.