(l) that which determines the structure of a system. Parameters themselves can be changed by
input s, but usually the parameters determine how input will be transformed into
output s. In the linear equation y = ax + b, the slope "a" and the y-intercept "b" are the parameters; "x" is the independent variable and "y" the dependent variable. (
Umpleby ) (2) In computer science
parameter is an entry in a command or routine that must be replaced with specific data prior to execution. (Arbib) (3) In a system theory
parameters are used to distinguish between systems that are described by similar sets of equations--the choice of parameters fits the
model to a specific situation. (Arbib) The New York Times Magazine of May l3, l979, discusses definitions of parameter". The shortest one that seems neat:
parameter - that what gives definition. another one: PARAMETER -a constant whose value may vary .. limit combining both:
parameter - a variable that gives definition to a system.
That what distinguishes between systems of the same
organization. The
input to a
system which determines its mode of
operation and thus defines what kind it is. In modelling, a value, usually a coefficient in an equation, that can be made to vary across different
models with otherwise similar
structure or across different
simulations by the same model but is constant in each application. The choice of parameters allows an experimenter to fit the model to a given situation. (
Krippendorff )
