| Project | The Cognitive Role of Visualization in Modeling |
| Contact | Laurie Waisel |
| waisel@cs.cmu.edu | |
| URL | http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~waisel/ |
| Project description | How does the use of visualization fit into the process of modeling? In my dissertation, I developed a cognitive framework for the role of visualization in modeling by drawing on Johnson-Laird's mental models work and theory of deduction. I assessed the framework by building a Modeler's Assistant with visualization and doing an experiment on how it is used by novice and expert modelers. A dissertation abstract is available at http://www.rpi.edu/~waisel/abstract.html . For information on other aspects of my work (including scientific visualizations of New York / New Jersey Harbor Sediment Contaminants), see http://www.rpi.edu/~waisel . |
| Theoretical background | Modeling is the process of creating one system of relations to represent another system ofrelations. Imagining a problem leads to the creation of a mental model, a mental system ofrelations that represents another system of relations. Visualizations are non-mental images(e.g., sketches, computer graphics) used to enhance insight. Theorists of problem solving anddecision making have established a checklist of stages for the process of modeling: problemformulation, model construction, model solution, model evaluation, and model implementation.How is this process affected when the use of visualization is factored in? What role do mentalmodels play? The goal of this research is to explore these questions. |
| Challenges | |
| Partnership |