Interacting with complex systems such as organizations and mechanical devices is an integral part of our lives. Learning them can be a challenge, although they can be described in language and depicted in diagrams. Medium, verbal or graphic, and ability/expertise have had conflicting effects on acquisition. Those effects are clarified by recognizing that complex systems have structural organiza...

the significance of spatial heterogeneity in understanding ecological processes has been recognized long ago. one of the earliest expressions of this recognition is the habitat heterogeneity hypothesis that links spatial  heterogeneity to niche vegetation patterns formation and species coexistence. yet, an  important if not crucial  aspect of landscape heterogeneity has escaped deep considerati...

The construct of mental models has been a useful tool for training and learning. Many instructors ask students to draw how something works or their understanding the subject. While this gives instructor feedback, comparing own understanding. There are many variations in that distinct yet correct. Structure, Behavior Function framework (SBF, Hmelo-Silver Pfeffer, 2004) successfully described cha...