Mental Modeling System for Targeted Behavior Change

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to effectively address complex psychological processes of judgment, decision-making, and behavior by not adequately understanding and influencing mental models, which are crucial for informed decision-making and behavior change, especially in complex issues.

Innovation Solution

A mental modeling method and system that provides expert models, summarizes subject matter expert-level knowledge, and updates these models based on individual mental models, using data mining and concept mapping to create structured data and influence diagrams, enabling targeted communications to change beliefs and behaviors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional communication methods are used to address complex issues, then information can be transmitted, but the communication fails to effectively influence mental models and change beliefs or behaviors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of communication in changing beliefs and behaviorsVSAvoidcomplexity of mental modeling process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of individual mental models before communication occurs. By using data mining and concept mapping to understand how people currently think about complex issues, the system prepares targeted communications that are specifically designed to address identified knowledge gaps and misconceptions, making the communication more effective at changing beliefs and behaviors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback loops where communications are tailored based on analyzed mental models, and the effectiveness can be measured by changes in mental models over time. This feedback mechanism allows continuous refinement of communication strategies to improve their ability to influence beliefs and behaviors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive mental model analysis is performed to understand individual knowledge and beliefs, then communication can be precisely tailored, but the process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision in understanding individual mental modelsVSAvoidtime required for mental modeling process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual, mechanical analysis of mental models with automated computational methods. Data mining algorithms automatically extract patterns from unstructured data, and concept mapping software automatically generates visual representations of mental models, dramatically reducing the time and resources required while maintaining high precision in understanding individual knowledge and beliefs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates simplified digital representations (copies) of complex mental models through concept maps and structured data formats. These copies capture the essential structure and content of mental models without requiring full detailed analysis, enabling efficient processing and comparison while preserving the key insights needed for tailored communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If expert knowledge is systematically modeled and updated based on individual mental models, then communications can be effectively tailored, but the modeling process becomes complex and difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to tailor communications to different individualsVSAvoidcomplexity of model structure and updates

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The expert model is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It automatically updates as new individual mental models are analyzed and as new information becomes available. The model structure adapts to different domains and contexts, allowing the same framework to be applied across various complex issues while maintaining the ability to tailor communications to individual needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mental modeling system employs universal frameworks and methodologies that can be applied across different domains and contexts. The same data mining techniques, concept mapping approaches, and communication strategies work for various types of complex issues, reducing the complexity of maintaining multiple specialized models while preserving adaptability to different individual needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11205130B2Mental modeling method and system

Publication Date: 2021.12.21 DECISION PARTNERS

AI summary

A mental modeling method and system may include providing at least one expert model, the at least one expert model including an analytical framework that summarizes subject matter expert-level knowledge. At least one mental model of at least one individual that summarizes subject matter individual-level knowledge is provided. The at least one expert model is modified based on the at least one mental model to provide at least one updated expert model.