How do Individuals Interpret Multiple Conceptual Models? A Theory of Combined Ontological Completeness and Overlap

Authors

Jan Recker, University of CologneFollow
Peter Green, Queensland University of TechnologyFollow

Abstract

When analyzing or designing information systems, users often work with multiple conceptual models because each model articulates a different, partial aspect of a real-world domain. However, the available research in this area has largely studied the use of single modeling artifacts only. We develop a new theory about interpreting multiple conceptual models that details propositions for evaluating how individuals select, understand, and perceive the usefulness of multiple conceptual models. We detail implications of our theory development for empirical research on conceptual modeling. We also outline practical contributions for the design of conceptual models and for choosing models for systems analysis and design tasks. Finally, to stimulate research that builds on our theory, we illustrate procedures for enacting our theory and discuss a range of empirically relevant boundary conditions

Recommended Citation

Recker, Jan and Green, Peter (2019) "How do Individuals Interpret Multiple Conceptual Models? A Theory of Combined Ontological Completeness and Overlap," Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 20(8), .
DOI: 10.17705/1jais.00 565
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jais/vol20/iss8/1

DOI

10.17705/1jais.00 565