MENTAL MODELS OF GROUPS AS SOCIAL SYSTEM - CONSIDERATIONS OF SPECIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT

The concept of a mental model is described with regard to the way that individuals interact with social systems such as groups. Important co nsiderations are described for identifying the attributes of a system (group) and the attributes of the individual's interaction with a syst em (group). These attributes then are considered in relation to the in dividual's mental model, which reflects beliefs an individual has abou t the way that states of the system lead to outcomes of the system (gr oup), as well as the manner in which the individual's specific interac tions with the system (group) lead to the stares of the system, and th e system (group) outcomes. The key notion of beliefs is used to descri be methods for analyzing and identifying the attributes of mental mode ls. One approach for assessing mental models, the belief association m atrix, is described to illustrate the conceptualization provided here. An empirical assessment using the belief association matrix is demons trated. Issues related to the reliability and validity of mental model s are discussed. It is suggested that valid and reliable measures of m ental models can provide a substantial foundation for understanding th e way that individuals perceive the relation between their interaction s with social systems such as groups, and the outcomes derived from th eir interactions with social systems. Implications of mental models fo r understanding group interaction and performance are highlighted.