Mentální mapy - úvod do problematiky a metodika výzkumu na Univerzitě Hradec Králové

Cognitive maps are an important part of man‘s interaction with the surrounding world. Research on perception, cognitive and mental maps was conducted at the University of Hradec Kralove during the years 2003 – 2005. The research began with formulation of introductory hypotheses and questions, discussion of different types of researched perception, cognitive and mental maps, creation and verification of research methodology, provision of information support, then followed with determination of application fields for perception, cognitive and mental maps and several directions of experimental research on perception, cognitive and mental maps. As a research tools for cognitive mapping conducted interviews, structured and non-structured mental mapping, and preferences and experiences given to the photos of sceneries by respondents were used. The use of computer graphics is in preparation phase. The possibility of the selection of the suitable cognitive representation was verified as well as the modelling methods of their static and dynamic structure. Model of three-dimension continuum of cognitive map was created. In the research frame, cognitive maps created at travelling time, cognitive maps of home/ homeland and favoured places, cognitive maps of familiar and of non-familiar environment were analysed. In six regions of the Czech Republic (Bohemian Paradise, Prague, Sumava (Bohemian Forest), Ceske stredohori (Bohemian Midmountains), Lednice – Valtice cultural landscape, Giant Mountains), people were questionnaired about their perception maps of landscape. Mental maps of European countries were other research subject. An application of cognitive mapping methodology for the research of man‘s environmental preferences was investigated.