Introducing Formal Ontologies with Paulina Schenk

In our fourth episode, we speak with Dr Paulina Schenk about formal ontologies and what they can offer for health psychology and behavioural science. We discuss, in simple terms, what ontologies are, how they differ from taxonomies, and why relating concepts to one another matters for research, evidence synthesis, and practice. The episode also explores how ontologies are developed, how they can accommodate nuance and context, and how they connect to topics such as causal models and AI. 

Here is a small glossary of the important terms used in this episode (since, admittedly, there are quite a few when talking about ontologies).

• Class: Ontology classes are representations of groupings or types of things in the world (Arp et al., 2015; Michie et al., 2025).
• Ontology: A classification framework that includes representations of things (classes), their relationships and labels, definitions and unique computer-readable alphanumeric IDs for these (Arp et al., 2015; Michie et al., 2025).
• Annotation: Process of coding selected parts of documents or other resources to identify the
  presence of ontological entities (Arp et al., 2015; Michie et al., 2017).

If you are interested in a clearer understanding of what ontologies are and why they may become increasingly useful in behavioural research, this episode is for you!

Ressources:

• Mechanism of Action Ontology part of the BCIO: Schenk, P. M., Wright, A. J., West, R., Hastings, J., Lorencatto, F., Moore, C., ... & Michie, S. (2024). An ontology of mechanisms of action in behaviour change interventions. Wellcome Open Research, 8, 337. https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.19489.2
• Upper-level Behaviour Change Intervention Ontology: Michie, S., West, R., Finnerty, A. N., Norris, E., Wright, A. J., Marques, M. M., ... & Hastings, J. (2021). Representation of behaviour change interventions and their evaluation: Development of the Upper Level of the Behaviour Change Intervention Ontology. Wellcome open research, 5, 123. https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15902.2
• COPPER Ontology: Braun, M., Carlier, S., De Paepe, A., De Backere, F., De Turck, F., & Crombez, G. (2025). Development and evaluation of the COntextualised and Personalised Physical activity and Exercise Recommendations (COPPER) Ontology. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 22(1), 52. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-025-01744-5