  Studying mental models has recently received more attention, aiming to
understand the cognitive aspects of human-computer interaction. However, there
is not enough research on the elicitation of mental models in complex dynamic
systems. We present Thought Bubbles as an approach for eliciting mental models
and an avenue for understanding players' mental model development in
interactive virtual environments. We demonstrate the use of Thought Bubbles in
two experimental studies involving 250 participants playing a supply chain
game. In our analyses, we rely on Situation Awareness (SA) levels, including
perception, comprehension, and projection, and show how experimental
manipulations such as disruptions and information sharing shape players' mental
models and drive their decisions depending on their behavioral profile. Our
results provide evidence for the use of thought bubbles in uncovering cognitive
aspects of behavior by indicating how disruption location and availability of
information affect people's mental model development and influence their
decisions.
