cognition and personal structure: computer access and analysis

The 12 chapters in this anthology describe ten different computer programs designed to help quantify the knowledge systems people use as they assimilate different types of information. The programs range from one used to analyze the knowledge structures of experts (in almost any domain) to one which assesses knowledge of the self. The work described is clearly state-of-the-art, although the focus of the chapters is on the programs in a particular content domain. Consequently, the book provides a valuable source of information about a particular category of research tool. Choice

Cognition and Personal Structure describes in detail methods of collection and analysis to be used in the understanding of an individual’s belief system or cognitive structures. The contents are diverse, clear, practical, and based on current methods. The contributors systematically discuss representative data collection methods and analysis procedures that can be used to explore the relationship between personal systems, cognition, and actions. In addition, each writer offers readers access to the computer programs that can be used to follow his or her methods for exploring cognitive structures. Most of the descriptions in the book are based on role repertory analysis methodology.

JAMES C. MANCUSO is Professor of Psychology at the State University of New York at Albany.

MILDRED L.G. SHAW is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Calgary.