Individual learning: the role of mental models in the learning of software developers

Letícia Rodrigues Da Fonseca, Marcelo Ribeiro Silva, Sheldon William Silva and Guilherme Marques Pereira

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2021, vol. 30, issue 4, 503-520

Abstract: This study aims to understand the role of individual mental models in the learning of software developers. Qualitative research of a multiple case study was conducted in four software development organisations (SDOs) applying semi-structured interviews. The subjects interviewed were involved in the software development process. The analyses were performed by the qualitative data analysis software Weft_QDA, which allowed the identification and analysis of speeches related to the theoretical concept of this study. It was identified that the previous knowledge of software experts, the complexity of projects, the rotation of tasks, and the information and communication technologies employed in the work environment enhance individual mental models from their internal images-worldviews, leading to an efficient process of software development in SDOs. The results show that individual mental models manage the acquisition, retention, use, and elimination of information and experiences during the learning process of developers.

Keywords: individual mental model; software development organisations; SDOs; individual learning. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ids:ijilea:v:30:y:2021:i:4:p:503-520

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