An Overview of Mental Models

One fact of life that we just can’t deny is that our brains will be responsible for everything that the body does. This means that anything that affects our brain will then affect all of the other facets of our lives. Yes, the brainpower is going to rely a lot on its software or the mindset that you have, and the hardware, which is going to be the nerves.  

We know it is really hard to work with a system that is sophisticated, with lots of good hardware, and then have some bad software on it. This just ends up being a bit energy-wasting blend of silicon and metal in the computer. In order to help put these mental models into the proper perspective, it is important for us to take a look at some of the different elements that are at the core of this idea, and how we are able to use them to our advantage.  

First, we need to take a look at what the model means for our “mental model”. A model is simply going to be a microcosmic representation of the real object. This object can be either non-physical or physical, it really doesn’t matter. It is going to be like a blueprint, a diagram, a mould, or a map and it is going to depict some of the key features of the real object, without having to bear all of the costs that come with this model being around.  

Modelling is something that we are going to see in a lot of technological and scientific endeavours. However, this doesn’t mean that we have to leave the models confined to only those two fields.  

There may be a ton of different options out there that promise to work on getting things done more effectively, and a lot of promises that are going to try and help you to manage your time and more, but some of the best options out there for you to use are going to be these mental models.  

You get to choose which one you use, and the more of them that you learn about, the easier it is to grab one out of your toolbox and put it to good work. This opens up a whole new world of what you are able to do, how easy it is to get tasks done, and how you will be able to succeed in any endeavour that you attempt to do. How many of the other options out there are going to be able to provide what these mental models will provide to you as well? 

This does not mean that you can’t use some of the tools that are out there and available to those who want to enhance the mental models. And if you are working on things like time management and want to use charts or diagrams or the Pomodoro timer to help you, then this is perfectly acceptable as well. But you will find that working with these mental models can be effective, even without all of the other equipment along for the ride.  

There are a lot of core reasons why you may want to take a look at modelling and see how it can work for a lot of different technological and scientific adventures. Some of the most common reasons for this include: 

● A model is going to help you to depict a mental concept, and this makes the model concept a lot easier to understand overall compared to the main concept.  

● A model is going to make it easier and cheaper to present the real object to others.  

● A model is going to be a lot cheaper to make and use than the real object. This means that the cost of creatively destroying the model if needed will be low.  

● A model is easier to adapt to the changes in the main concept than the real object.  

● These models are going to be cost-effective methods to avoid some bigger mistakes. Mistakes, faults, and even misconceptions can be easily detected when we look at the model and appropriate corrections done to it prior to launching the real object.  

While it is true that there are some models that we are able to look at in physical form, there are others that do better when we look at them in virtual form. Physical models are going to be for objects that contain some form such as planes, cars, ships, buildings, territories and the like. Virtual models, on the other hand, are going to be for things that are not physical, such as the thoughts, imagination, senses, and interpretations.  

Mental models are going to fall within the virtual nature above because the mind is not really a physical object. Some of the virtual models that you may see that relate to this could be things like strategic military models, culture models, organization models, and more.