Co-authored with Tan, X.
Conceptual modeling involves the understanding and communication between system analysts and end users. Human cognition, therefore, plays a pivotal role in conceptual modeling and cognitive mapping techniques are effective tools to elicit and represent human cognition. In this research, we look at the use of cognitive mapping techniques to improve the quality of conceptual modeling. We review frameworks on quality in conceptual modeling and review related literature on the role of human cognition in conceptual modeling. We review cognition at both the individual level and socio-cognitive level. The paper also discusses how human cognition is related to quality in conceptual modeling, discusses the various cognitive mapping techniques, and how these cognitive mapping techniques can be used in conceptual modeling. In addition, the paper describes ways of incorporating cognitive mapping techniques to popular systems development methodologies such as Ethics, Soft Systems Methodology, and Unified Process to improve the quality of information systems development.