Causal Maps: Theory, Implementation, and Practical Applications in Multiagent Environments

ÐAnalytical techniques are generally inadequate for dealing with causal interrelationships among a set of individual and social concepts. Usually, causal maps are used to cope with this type of interrelationships. However, the classical view of causal maps is based on an intuitive view with ad hoc rules and no precise semantics of the primitive concepts, nor a sound formal treatment of relations between concepts. In this paper, we solve this problem by proposing a formal model for causal maps with a precise semantics based on relation algebra and the software tool, CM-RELVIEW, in which it has been implemented. Then, we investigate the issue of using this tool in multiagent environments by explaining through different examples how and why this tool is useful for the following aspects: 1) the reasoning on agents' subjective views, 2) the qualitative distributed decision making, and 3) the organization of agents considered as a holistic approach. For each of these aspects, we focus on the computational mechanisms developed within CM-RELVIEW to support it. ae 1I NTRODUCTION C OGNITIVE maps follow personal construct theory, first put forward by Kelly [19]. This theory provides a basis for representing an individual's multiple perspectives. Kelly suggests that understanding how individuals organize their environments requires that subjects themselves define the relevant dimensions of that environment. He proposed a set of techniques, known collectively as a repertory grid, in order to facilitate empirical research guided by the theory. The personal construct theory has spawned many fields and has been used as a first step in generating cognitive maps. Huff [17] has identified five generic ªfamiliesº of cognitive maps: 1. Maps that assess attention, association, and importance of concepts. With these maps, the map maker searches for frequent use of related concepts as indicators of the strategic emphasis of a particular decision maker or organization, for example, and looks for the association of these concepts with others to infer mental connection between important strategic themes. She also might make judgments about the complexity of these relationships or differences in the use of concepts. 2. Maps that show dimension of categories and cognitive taxonomies. Here, the map maker investigates more complex relationships among concepts. She might dichotomize concepts and construct hierarchical relationships among broad concepts and more specific subcategories. Maps of this type have been used to define the competitive environment and to explore the range and nature of choices perceived by decision makers …