Training on the Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping technique (15-17 June) – places available.

Training on the Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping technique (15-17 June) – places available.

A small number of places are available for a 3-day training on the Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) technique, which will take place between 15-17 June on Talbot Campus. The training is funded by QR funds and is an opportunity for academics and PhD students to develop their skills on a versatile and upcoming research technique, which is expected to be welcomed by high quality journals.

The training is primarily for members of the Digital Marketing Research Group (DMRT, BUBS), however there are a few places available for staff and PhD students from across the university. If interested contact, Dr Miguel Moital (mmoital@bournemouth.ac.uk).

 

What is Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping?

The FCM technique is a cause-effect relationship knowledge-based method for modelling complex decision-making systems of humans. It emerges from a combination of cognitive mapping and Fuzzy logic and artificial neural network, and this method is increasingly used in social sciences and humanities research. In FCM participants are presented with scenarios (inputs) and asked to provide the expected outputs (e.g. assuming a certain relationship between two factors, what happens to a third factor). This data is used to improve the original model (e.g. developed in focus groups) by using a supervised algorithm. An automated knowledge system is developed to allow respondents to complete the survey online.

The technique can be applied to a variety of research settings, such as consumer behaviour, organisational decision making and social/public policy decision-making.

A good introduction to fuzzy cognitive mapping can be found here and here.

 

What will the training cover?

The training will take place on the following times (Talbot Campus):

Wednesday 15th June:

  • AM – Overview of FCM and fuzzy logic, including research design requirements for FCM research.
  • PM – Case studies/practice using the FCM expert software

Thursday 16 June:

  • AM – Case studies / practice using the FCM expert software
  • PM – Dr. Nápoles  available for 1-2-1 support to discuss developing / adapting research plans to FCM

Friday 17 June

  • AM – Case studies / practice using the FCM expert software & Wrap up

Ahead of the training, participants are expected to watch two pre-recorded knowledge clips and read two chapters about fuzzy logic and fuzzy cognitive maps.

 

The trainer

Dr Gonzalo Nápoles, from the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences (Department of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence), is a leading contributor to the development of the technique, having several publications on it. He is the lead developer of the FCM EXPERT software tool which can be used to carry out FCM analysis.

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