Sponsor
Portland State University. Systems Science Ph. D. Program
First Advisor
Wayne Wakeland
Term of Graduation
Summer 2025
Date of Publication
9-11-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Systems Science
Department
Systems Science
Language
English
Subjects
Behavior Prediction, Decision Making, Fuzzy Cognitive Maps, Mental Models
DOI
10.15760/etd.4013
Physical Description
1 online resource (vii, 167 pages)
Abstract
This dissertation examines the use of Fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) as representations of mental models and how these representations connect to individual behavior. Fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) are semi-quantitative models that encode cause-and-effect structures as directed graphs. They are frequently used to represent individuals' knowledge structures/mental models and should in theory correlate to actions and decisions of individuals; however, this correlation has yet to be explored in a systematic manner. This dissertation represents the first step in experimental research on the connection between FCMs and individual behavior. It examines two theories of how humans use mental models, one based on simulation, and one based on cues. These two theories are then connected to structural indicators within individual FCMs. These structural indicators are then compared to behavioral survey results from the same individual. No connection is found between the structural indicators and survey results. Analysis of why there is no correlation highlights the difference between methodology-focused research versus subject-based research, along with the challenges of collecting high-quality FCMs from individuals.
Rights
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Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44119
Recommended Citation
Moore, Catherine Elizabeth, "From Model to Behavior: Methodological Challenges in Using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps to Represent Mental Models" (2025). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 6921.
https://doi.org/10.15760/etd.4013