Which of the following describes a mental model in psychology?

A mental model in psychology is best described as a cognitive representation that guides predictions and understanding. This concept refers to the internal framework or schema that individuals create based on their experiences and knowledge of the world. Mental models allow people to process information, make inferences, and anticipate outcomes by providing a simplified version of complex realities.

These models are essential in various aspects of cognition, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and learning. By utilizing mental models, individuals can navigate their environments more effectively, as these representations help them to organize information and form expectations about how things work. This support enables better comprehension and facilitates reasoning processes in both familiar and novel situations.

In contrast, the other choices do not capture the essence of what a mental model signifies in psychology. For instance, a theory based on historical events may provide context but lacks the cognitive aspect inherent in mental models. An emotional response refers to feelings rather than cognitive structure, and a method for memorizing facts focuses on retention rather than understanding and predicting based on a cognitive framework. Therefore, the definition emphasizing cognitive representation aligns most closely with the concept of mental models in psychology.