Simulations to understand and validate models

This software release contains one R script file that allows the user to download data and reproduce all of the figures and analyses associated with DiRenzo et al. In the R script, we provide a guide to understanding and validating complex models using data simulations. In an effort to facilitate the implementation of these methods, we provide a running example throughout DiRenzo et al. 2022 with fully reproducible code in R and Nimble (this code). This running example takes advantage of a common hierarchical model in ecology- the occupancy model- in which the ecological process is decomposed from the sampling process.