Limitations

Abstract

This chapter will explore the limitations of the cognitive mapping approach. Among the problems considered are the potential for insincerity in policy discussions, the slowness of the documentary coding method, the absence of any types of relationships in cognitive maps other than causal or value relationships, and the lack of quantification in the relationships that are represented. For each problem, the origin of the problem is explained, the nature of the limitation is assessed, and suggestions are made as to how to alleviate its effects.