Travel Reference
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The method used by the authors is drawn from Eden and Ackermann's
(1998) use of cognitive mapping in strategic management and management
science, which used personal construct theory (Kelly, 1955). The personal
construct theory of personality was developed by the psychologist George
Kelly in the 1950s to help patients to uncover their own 'constructs' with
minimal intervention or interpretation by the therapist. The repertory
grid was later adapted for various uses within organisations, including
decision-making and interpretation of other people's world views. Eden and
Ackermann's approach to cognitive mapping involves the idea of concepts.
These are short phrases or words which represent a verb in which ideas are
linked as cause/effect, means/end or how/why, meaning a cognitive map
is a representation of a particular person's perceptions about a situation in
terms of bipolar constructs, where the terms are seen as a contrast with
each other. For example, 'family holidays in the sun' may lead to 'increased
family tensions … increased family happiness'. The result is not unlike an
influence diagram or causal loop diagram, although it is explicitly subjec-
tive and uses constructs rather than variables (Mingers, 2011). Eden and
Ackermann (1998) suggest that cognitive mapping can be used as a mind
map in problem solving. It may also be used to record transcripts of inter-
views or other documentary evidence in a way that promotes analysis,
questioning and understanding. However, the literature on the application
of cognitive mapping (Yeoman, 2004) is bastardised as researchers adapt the
theory based upon their own skills and research philosophies.
Decision Explorer (DE)
A computer-assisted qualitative data analysis (CAQDAS) approach,
according to Barry (1998), aids in the automation of processing data and
the capturing of concepts. A CAQDAS approach helps the bricoleur view
relationships of phenomena and data through the ability to trace and track
data, hence supporting the principle of the bricoleur as a constructivist
interpreter. A CAQDAS approach provides a formal structure for notes and
memos to develop an analysis platform which is consistent with triangula-
tion and grounded theory (Strauss & Corbin, 1994). Decision Explorer (DE)
is an interactive tool for assisting and clarifying problems (Jenkins, 1998),
using the principles of cognitive mapping (Eden & Ackermann, 1998) within
the realm of CAQDAS. DE allows a visual display and analysis of cognitive
maps in such a manner that it permits 'multiple viewpoints', 'holding of
concepts', 'tracing of concepts' and 'causal relationship management'.
Decision Explorer is a rich interactive tool that allows for the movement
of concepts and connections in order that the bricoleur can be in the centre
of the meaning of the research area (here, family tourism), in order to draw
conclusions and construct a meaningful view of the future. DE helps the
bricoleur produce the bricolage. This is where the bricoleur pieces together
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