The cognitive approach to the problem of identification validity in cognitive mapping

Based on the interdisciplinary approach covering the analysis of cognitive mapping practices and modern approaches to comprehending mental processes in cognitive science, the cognitive approach to the analysis of processes of identification of objects, situations, etc. is proposed, taking account of cognitive aspects that affect validity of the end results. The approach is capable to explain the traditional reducing sight of methodologists at cognitive processes of identification and to fix some conditions at which the reducing vision generates risks for validity of end results. Some proposals to increase identification validity based on verification follow from the models within the approach. The approach was developed and successfully tested with reference to cognitive mapping of complex and ill structured situations, where and when cognitive issues of identification are brightly expressed and cannot be ignored in view of validity of the end results. (C) 2016, IFAC (International Federation of Automatic Control) Hosting by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.