Which statement best contrasts verification and validation in simulation?

• A. Verification checks real-world accuracy; Validation checks code correctness.
• B. Verification checks logical correctness; Validation checks real-world accuracy.
• C. Verification and Validation are identical.
• D. Verification checks data entry accuracy; Validation checks results.

Answer: (B)

Verification is about building the model right: it checks that the implementation correctly translates the intended model into code, with proper equations, logic, and numerical solution, and that there are no coding or solving errors. Validation is about building the right model: it tests whether the model’s outputs match real-world behavior by comparing to observed data and system performance, possibly with calibration.

That contrast makes the statement the best: verification focuses on logical correctness of the model’s construction, while validation focuses on real-world accuracy of the results. For example, you verify by unit tests and code checks to ensure the model is solving the intended equations correctly; you validate by comparing simulated outputs to actual system data to see if the model reflects reality.