Use Walmart for the Organization

Literature and Language
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Question one
Cognitive scientists use mental models to explore how humans know, perceive, make decisions, and construct behavior in different environments. Mental models came into the limelight in 1983 after the publication of two books titled mental models. The first book, written by Johnson Laird indicated that mental models are a process through which humans undergo while solving deductive reasoning problems. The second book authored by Stevens and Gentner suggested that mental models equip humans with information on how physical systems work. Currently, cognitive scientists see mental models as internal scales or model representations of external reality. “Mental models are built on the fly, from knowledge of prior experience, schema segments, perception, and problem solving strategies” (Davidson, J. et al., 1999, p.1). A mental model usually contains minimal information and it is unstable and subject to change. Cognitive scientists argue that mental models should be ‘runnable’ and must be in a position to provide feedback on the results. This gives humans an opportunity to evaluate the results of action or the consequences of change of state. As such, mental models require humans to mentally rehearse their intended actions.
The usability of mental models has been defined by the International Standards Organization. According to this standard, “usability refers to the effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction with which specified users achieve specified goals in a particular environment” (Davidson, J. et al., 1999, p.1). The standard further notes that effectiveness entails accuracy and completeness with which specified users can achieve specified goals in a particular environment. Efficiency, according to the standard, refers to “resources expended in relation to the accuracy and completeness of goals achieved” (Davidson, J. et al., 1999, p.1). On the other hand, “satisfaction refers to the comfort and acceptability of the work system to its users and other people affected by its use” (Davidson, J. et al., 1999, p.1). Mental models have been widely embraced in many organizations. One such organization is WalMart. WalMart specializes in...