Assessing How Information Affects Cognitive Maps of Strategic Issues

Through formal experiments with decision makers in the soybean sector, the effects of the PCD system are formally evaluated. The evaluation uses pre- and post-treatment questionnaires to assess how cognitive maps change as a result of exposure to the PCD model. Content analysis is used to describe and analyze the cognitive maps of the participants. Statistical measures of association show that the visualized presentation of information shifts decision makers' cognitive maps of strategic issues facing the industry. Results indicate that the visualization of complex data is effective in shifting decision makers' perspectives to a more global marketing focus, thus influencing their budget allocation decisions. This suggests that exposure to the simulation model results and the visualization of complex information successfully raises the participants' awareness and sensitivity to demand enhancing strategic issues.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Agricultural and Consumer Economics

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Fisher, Donna K.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Westgren, Randall E.

• Psychology, Cognitive

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI9989995

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/83054