Sociocognitive perspectives on representation

Abstract

This chapter discusses research on the cognitive aspects of formal systems of knowledge representation. Major section cover cognition, particularly in information science, and representation of objects, information or data. The authors recognize the theoritocal foundations estabished by Jesse Shera in the 1960's and the need for effective retrieval. They delineate four fundamental research questions: How does language influence the individual's cognitive representation and organization of information?; What effect does the need to communicate have on the individual's symbolic representation and/or cognitive organization of information? ; What patterns or structures of cognitive organization are shared by individuals or by groups of individuals? and How can retrieval mechanisms be designed to facilitate, augment, or mimic these natural patterns of cognitive organization?