Fuzzy cognitive mapping: An old tool with new uses in nursing research

Describe the implementation and uses of fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) as a constructive method for meeting the unique and rapidly evolving needs of nursing inquiry and practice.

Discussion paper.

Drawing on published scholarship of cognitive mapping from the fields of ecological management, information technology, economics, organizational behaviour and health development, we consider how FCM can contribute to contemporary challenges and aspirations of nursing research.

Fuzzy cognitive mapping can generate theory, describe knowledge systems in comparable terms and inform questionnaire design and dialogue. It can help build participant-researcher partnerships, elevate marginalized voices and facilitate intercultural dialogue. As a relatively culturally safe and foundational approach in participatory research, we suggest that FCM should be used in settings of transcultural nursing, patient engagement, person- and family-centred care and research with marginalized populations. FCM is amenable to rigorous analysis and simultaneously allows for greater participation of stakeholders.

In highly complex healthcare contexts, FCM can act as a common language for defining challenges and articulating solutions identified within the nursing discipline.

There is a need to reconcile diverse sources of knowledge to meeting the needs of nursing inquiry. FCM can generate theory, describe knowledge systems, facilitate dialogue and support questionnaire design. In its capacity to engage multiple perspectives in defining problems and identifying solutions, FCM can contribute to advancing nursing research and practice.