The description of a simulation should contain at least the following four aspects:

Tool:

• Definition of the probability tool

• Statement of how the tool models the situation

• How the results received from the tool apply to the probabilities in the situation

Trial:

• Definition of a trial

  • If a trial has a stopping condition, definition of how it works

• Definition of a successful outcome of the trial

Results:

• Statement of how the results will be tabulated giving an example of a successful outcome and a unsuccessful outcome

• Statement of how many trials should be carried out

Calculation:

• Statement of how the calculation needed for the conclusion will be done:

Long-run relative frequency = Number of ‘successful’ results

Number of trials

Mean = Sum of trial results

Number of trials

• Interpretation of your results only being estimates

Assumptions

• For merit: some assumptions that were made in this simulation.

  • A common assumption is that the probabilities throughout the simulation remain the same

• For excellence: discussion of a number of assumptions that were made and how this assumption could have changed the results.