Mental model theory

Mental model theory suggests that people create internal representations of how things work in the world—these are called mental models. These models help us understand, predict, and navigate our environment by simulating real-world processes in our minds. When faced with a problem or new information, we draw on relevant mental models to interpret and assess the situation. Essentially, mental models serve as cognitive frameworks that guide our thinking, reasoning, and decision-making, making complex concepts more manageable and enabling us to respond effectively to various situations.