One of the questions that arise while exploring mental model theory is why do we need to research on them and what is the use of in-depth knowledge of mental models? If they really exist how can we extract, represent and analyse it.
Gentner and Stevens (1983) in their book “Mental Models” have mentioned a simple yet interesting example which satisfy our question of why we need to understand mental models.
Patrick Hayes’ (1979) extensive study on the behaviour of liquids. The understanding enables people to predict when a liquid will flow, stand still and fall from the surface. This theory would be useful any substance in liquid form and it would be helpful in understanding why operators of nuclear plants misinterpret their instruments. One of the chapter in the above mentioned book – “Flowing waters or teeming crowds: Mental models of electricity” by Gentner and Gentner (1983) have actually used similar metaphors to understand the behaviour of electricity.
When we talk about mental models in human computer interaction domain, Donald Norman has explained that:
“In interacting with the environment, with others, and with the artifacts of technology, people form internal, mental models of themselves and of the things with which they are interacting. These models provide predictive and explanatory power for understanding the interaction.“
Better understanding of the interaction leads to better system designs making peoples life easier while using any kind of devices to interfaces. He proposes that better conceptual model (model of the system) leads to easy learning and better performance while using a system. Easy Learning promotes increase in motivation to use the system and better performance enhances efficiency, accuracy and problem solving skills of a person.
To conclude the better our understanding (models) of the knowledge involved, the better we would be able to simulate, teach and test it
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