Towards a Context-Dependent Framework for Visualizing Mental Models

Mental models describe an internal representation of knowledge, which can be used to describe, explain, and predict a person’s interactions with their environment. While there is no shortage on mental model research, a recent literature review revealed the majority of research on mental models does not include an actual model of any kind. Mental models are able to capture complex information, which is difficult to effectively convey through written word alone. A set of visual metaphors are needed to effectively convey the disparate information that can be identified in mental models. We have conducted initial research to develop a notional framework for visualizing mental models based on the context of the elicitation methods used (and the data collected).