What's in a mental model of a dynamic system? Conceptual structure and model comparison

This paper deals with the representation of mental models of dynamic systems (MMDS). Improving ’mental models’ has always been fundamental in the field of system dynamics. Even though a specific definition exists, no conceptual model of the structure of a MMDS has been offered so far. Previous research about the learning effects of system dynamics interventions have used two methods to represent and analyze mental models. To what extend is the result of these methods comparable? Can they be used to account for a MMDS which is suitable for the system dynamics methodology? Two exemplary MMDSs are compared with both methods. We have found that the procedures and results differ significantly . In addition, neither of the methods can account for the concept of feedback loops. Based on this finding, we propose a conceptual model for the structure of a MMDS, a method to compare them, and a revised definition of MMDS. The paper concludes with a call for more substantive research.

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