Cognitive and semantic perspectives of token representation in diagrams

Abstract

The article considers a perspective on token representation in diagrams and its relation to other properties typical of diagrammatic external representations (ERs). We distinguish between direct and indirect cognitive modes of token reference based on whether a referential attribute of ER tokens, represented by a cognitive system, is used as a surrogate for represented tokens. We then consider how this characterization sheds light on particular cognitive properties of representing objects and relations in diagrams and diagrammatic kinds of engagement with sentential classes of ER. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.