Definitionv1DF-192
Mental model
an internal representation of reality that mirrors the structure of external events and allows for anticipation of future outcomes, constructed through small-scale simulations that govern decision-making and filter perception
Why This Is a Definition
This definition precisely establishes what a mental model is by identifying its genus (internal representation mirroring external events) and differentia (enabling anticipation and governing decisions/filtering perception). It distinguishes mental models from other cognitive structures by specifying their functional role in simulation-based thinking rather than just abstract symbol manipulation.