¹General Dynamics UK Limited, Bryn Brithdir, Oakdale Business Park, Oakdale, Blackwood, South Wales, UK

Correspondence: JD Salt, 43, Brookland Road, Risca, Caerfilli, South Wales NP11 6BH, UK. E-mail: jdsalt@gotadsl.co.uk

Received 28 November 2007; Accepted 8 April 2008.

Abstract

Seven classes of persistent mistake are identified and described, based on the author's 20 years' experience of making mistakes in simulation modelling. The errors identified are trifle-worship, belief in answers, connectionism, the black box mistake, methodolatry, the dead fish fallacy, and the Jehovah problem. Each is discussed in turn. It is expected that fellow practitioners will recognize many of these mistakes, and hoped that this paper will help to avoid repeating them.