COGNITIVE AND COMPUTER-MODELS OF PHYSICAL SYSTEMS

Models of physical systems range from those of initial individual cogn ition to mathematical representations on a computer which are accepted as the developed find models. It is conjectured that a formalization of the qualitative cognitive models will help us to understand how the y are formed and will eventually help us to produce better computer mo dels. The structure of these models would provide qualitative descript ions and explanations of behaviour which could be assimilated by non-s pecialists. It is argued that cognitive models should be produced with an awareness of the possible form of the final computer model. To ill ustrate this, a case study of the development of the cognitive and com puter models of a naturally parallel physical process is presented. Th is early work is part of the broader goal of producing an appropriate computing environment through which various models and techniques are combined for producing explanations. A procedure for developing models from the primitive stage to computer implementation is suggested. The ories in cognitive science and research on mental models are briefly d iscussed. (C) 1995 Academic Press Limited