Fuzzy Cognitive Maps and their Application in Social Science Research: A Study of their Main Problems

Abstract

The methodology of Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) is one of the most relevant in the study of knowledge and, probably, one of the most used in recent times by researchers in their studies and projects. This paper analyzes, through a bibliographic review by the main scientific databases, the use of this tool in scientific research and its application in the social sciences, as well as providing historical references in this regard. It shows the main characteristics of the methodology, its possibilities and limitations, its differences with its predecessor (Cognitive Maps), the operational phases for its application and the different ways of capturing information. In addition to demonstrating the suitability of its application in the field of social sciences and studying its major problems, the identification of the concepts involved within the system to be studied, the selection of experts and the coefficients or weights of the knowledge of each of these ones, offering suggestions and contributions for a correct identification of the concepts involved, a correct selection of these experts and a correct quantification of their coefficients of "expert knowledge".