ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the characteristics of mental models as described in the literature, and considers how the choice of methodology and perspective of definition affect confidence in the validity of the captured knowledge structure. It considers the role of cognitive bias in mental models research, with a view similar to Tversky and Khaneman. The chapter presents a case study of Kempton to illustrate the layers of bias inherent in methodologies chosen to access internal constructs. It evaluates three major research figures in the field and their theories of the role of inferred knowledge structures in cognitive processing to conclude that variations in nature of 'background information' bias the content of inferred knowledge structures. The terms 'filtering information' and 'bias in interpretation' were described as precursors to development of an adaptable framework. The chapter also focuses on the mental models held by individuals rather than shared or team mental models.
