Some implications of cognitive map theory for environmental problem solving and decision making.

Abstract

A critical factor that receives surprisingly little attention in traditional conceptualizations of environmental problem solving and decision making processes is the role of existing knowledge. This dissertation offers an alternative perspective on environmental problem solving and decision making, one that focuses on the role of existing knowledge, or cognitive maps. A fundamental contention of this perspective is that cognitive maps influence how new information, problems, and situations are perceived, processed, and interpreted. Further, perceptions are assumed to both guide and limit problem solving and decision making behavior. In essence, the argument is that cognitive maps bias one's way of seeing which, in turn, is a powerful determinant of one's way of thinking and behaving. The underlying approach is the SESAME theory of cognitive maps. The SESAME theory is based on over 20 years of study by the Seminar on Environmentally Sensitive Adaptive Mechanisms, led by Stephen Kaplan at the University of Michigan. Unique to the SESAME position is conceptualization of the cognitive map as a network of associated mental objects (i.e., internal representations) that stand for objects and concepts in the world. The dissertation consists of a series of four manuscripts, each serving as a separate chapter. The intent of this collection is threefold: (1) to offer a conceptual framework, based on the cognitive map concept, for understanding environmental problem solving and decision making; (2) to provide a new methodology--the conceptual content cognitive map (3CM) method--for measuring and exploring people's existing knowledge structure; (3) to report on initial empirical explorations of (a) the nature of existing knowledge, (b) the changes in knowledge structure that result from experience and (c) the manner in which people's knowledge structures may diverge.