TY - Generic T1 - The role of mental models in FLOSS development work practices T2 - Proceedings of the IFIP 2nd International Conference on Open Source Software Y1 - 2006 A1 - Kevin Crowston A1 - Scozzi, Barbara KW - FLOSS KW - Mental Model AB - Shared understandings are important for software development as they guide to effective individual contributions to, and coordination of, the software development process. In this paper, we present the theoretical background and research design for a proposed study on shared mental models within Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS) development teams. In particular, we plan to perform case studies on several projects and to use cognitive maps analysis to represent and compare the mental models of the involved members so as to gauge the degree of common knowledge and the development of a collective mind as well as to better understand the reasons that underlie team members actions and the way common mental models, if any, arise. JF - Proceedings of the IFIP 2nd International Conference on Open Source Software CY - Lake Como, Italy, 8–9 June ER -