The microscopic origins of five theological models are investigated by comparing their predictions for the conformation tensor and stress tensor with the same tensors obtained via nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations for n-hexadecane. Steady-state simulations were performed under both planar Couette and planar elongational flows, and the results of each are compared with rheological model predictions in the same flows, without any fitting parameters where possible. The use of the conformation tensor for comparisons between theory and experiment/simulation, rather than just the stress tensor, allows additional information to be obtained regarding the physical basis of each model examined herein. The character of the relationship between stress and conformation is examined using model predictions and simulation data. (c) 2006 The Society of Rheology.