What is the purpose of descriptive models?

Descriptive models serve the primary purpose of clarifying the context and behavior of a problem. They are used to represent and explain the characteristics of a system or situation without making predictions or estimations about future performance. By detailing how various elements within a system interact and behave, descriptive models help stakeholders gain a deeper understanding of the scenario at hand. This understanding is crucial for identifying the underlying issues and formulating effective solutions.

In contrast, estimations of system capabilities typically fall under predictive or analytical models that focus on forecasting outcomes or performance under specified conditions. Similarly, predicting system performance metrics involves a different modeling approach that focuses on analysis and projections based on various parameters. Defining system hardware requirements, while essential, is often part of a system specification process that aligns closely with design and technical specifications rather than the descriptive nature of models. Thus, the choice that aligns best with the purpose of descriptive models is the clarification of context and behavior of a problem.