Final answer:
Scientific models are simplified tools used to explain and predict phenomena, remaining useful even if they don't cover every aspect of reality. They evolve with new observations and experiments, serving as a foundation for scientific understanding and further exploration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "Bargain" of Model-Based Science: The so-called bargain of the model-based view in science refers to the understanding that scientific models are simplified representations of more complex systems. These models, like the kinetic molecular theory of gases, serve as useful tools to explain observed phenomena and make predictions, even when they do not fully represent the reality or cover every instance of the phenomena. Unlike theories, which can be discredited by a single contradictory case, models remain useful even when they do not explain all aspects. They are based on observations, experiments, and are subject to ongoing testing and refinement. For example, Einstein's general theory of relativity dramatically transformed scientific models by predicting the existence of black holes, demonstrating how models evolve with new evidence. Models offer a way to translate the intangible or complex into more understandable terms, allowing scientists to visualize, discuss, and hypothesize about various phenomena. This process leads to a deepened understanding of natural laws and structures. Nonetheless, despite their utility, it is acknowledged in science that all models are approximations, open to improvement as new observations and experiments are conducted.