most recent 30 from http://mathoverflow.net 2013-05-18T13:23:59Z http://mathoverflow.net/feeds/question/69378 http://www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/rdf http://mathoverflow.net/questions/69378/what-is-a-free-parameter-in-a-computational-model dnbwise 2011-07-03T03:09:04Z 2011-07-03T03:09:04Z

<p>In many articles regarding computational models of some particular phenomenon, there seems to be a consensus: "the smaller the number of 'free parameters' in the model, the better". So, what is meant by "free parameter", and why is it less desirable to model something with such a parameter?</p> <p>Thanks!</p>