Cognitive mechanisms of conceptual modelling how do people do it?

Abstract

Conceptual modelling involves many higher order cognitive processes, such as relational reasoning and abstraction, which are based on integration and maintenance of information. Evidence from cognitive psychology suggests that these processes are subject to individual differences which cannot be explained by training and experience alone. In this review, we study how the cognitive processes that enable modelling interact to produce modelling behaviour, and where in this process we can find individual differences that may explain some of the variation in performance seen in actual modelling settings. We discuss interaction between working memory, executive control and attention as they facilitate relational reasoning and abstraction, which we consider to be key cognitive processes in modelling. Eventually, a thorough understanding of modelling cognition can help us to provide better cognitive support for modellers. © Springer-Verlag 2013.