Conceptmaster(TM): A Tool for Capturing and Reasoning About Mental Models

Reticular Systems proposes to research ad develop a set of tools, and methodologies for rapidly capturing, representing, storing and displaying an individual's mental model, and which allow the development of inferences using the model to determin the underlying knowledge constructs used in making decisions. The methodology proposed is based on the use oif concept maps for rapidly capturing an individual's mental construction and conceptual graphs as a formalism for reasoning about those models. One of the topics of research is translating concept maps into conceptual graphs. The approach that we propose is well-suited for use in collaborative environments. We will deliver prototype code and a final report describing the overall mental modeling methodology and the preliminary design of ConceptMaster, a mental modeling toolset for effeciently capturing and constructing mental models. The report will detail information requirements, formats, data structures, algorithms and problem-solving methodologies used in the prototype implementation or planned for Phase II. Prototypes will be used to evaluate key components of ConceptMaster and reduce risk for Phase II. Phase I schedule and scope is realistic and realizable due to our experience in knowledge acquisition and modeling, conceptual graphing technology, software development and development of conceptual graph tools.