Mental models refer to internal representations or schemas that people create based on their past experiences, knowledge, beliefs, and assumptions. They help individuals make sense of new information by connecting it with existing knowledge.
Related terms
Schema Theory: This theory suggests that people organize information into cognitive frameworks or schemas which help them interpret new experiences.
Assimilation: Assimilation occurs when new information is incorporated into existing mental models without causing significant changes.
Accommodation: Accommodation happens when existing mental models need to be adjusted or modified in response to new information that does not fit within current schemas.