Aim/PurposeThe paper introduces new concepts including cognitive mapping, cognitive message processing, and message resonance.

BackgroundThis paper draws upon philosophy, psychology, physiology, communications, and introspection to develop the theory of cognitive mapping.

MethodologyTheory development

ContributionThe theory offers new ways to conceptualize the informing process.

FindingsCognitive mapping has a far-reaching explanatory power on message resonance.

Recommendation for ResearchersThe theory of cognitive mapping offers a new conceptualization for those exploring the informing process that is ripe for exploration and theory testing.

Future ResearchThis paper forms a building block toward the development of a fuller model of the informing process.