MENTAL MODEL

This article describes cross-cultural research on the relation between how people conceptualize nature and how they act in it. Mental models of nature differ dramatically among populations living in the same area and engaged in similar activities. This has novel implications for ...

The paper addresses the conference themes - politics of planning and rules of the game - in a global context. It presents a case that globalization is changing planning cultures and that there is a need to "re-invent" planning for the 21 st century. Rapid urbanization and the urbanization of poverty fundamentally challenge many of the rules and routines of

Abstract The difficulty of understanding the structure and functions of computer programs is especially acute when learners are given the freedom to explore hypertext materials in which the possibility of disorientation is strong. Mental model theory is an attempt to model and explain human understanding of objects and phenomena during learning (and other activities). Research on mental models in human-computer interaction can identify important characteristics of cognitive processes and help in the development of research-based ...

An extensively revised heuristic-analytic theory of reasoning is presented incorporating three principles of hypothetical thinking. The theory assumes that reasoning and judgment are facilitated by the formation of epistemic mental models that are generated one at a time (singularity principle) by preconscious heuristic processes that contextualize problems in such a way as to maximize relevance to current goals (relevance principle). Analytic processes evaluate these models but tend to accept them unless there is good reason to reject them (satisficing principle). At a minimum, analytic processing of models is required so as to generate inferences or judgments relevant to the task instructions, but more active intervention may result in modification or replacement of default models generated by the heuristic system. Evidence for this theory is provided by a review of a wide range of literature on thinking and reasoning.