The main question that addresses this research is about the role of mental models in the institutional arrangements for common pool resource (CPR) management. The central idea is that there is a cognitive conflict when different actors define use and management problems of common pool resources. Mental models are used for institutional design. Several actors, to structure commons problems, use different mental models. Mental models influence institutions and policies intended to solve such problems. The conceptual framework of the study included commons dilemmas, neo institutionalism approaches, institutional analysis and development (IAD) socio ecological systems and mental models concepts. In Socio Ecological Systems (SES) dominated by CPRs, collective action processes are central for resource management. The relation between institutional arrangements and mental models is shaped by trust, cooperation, rule compliance, and general morality conformance. This paper is focused on the former element, meaning the moral system shared by individuals in a community that uses a CPR. Three case studies in Colombia (South America) were chosed to study the above question: an artisanal fishermen place in Caribbean (Barú), a communitarian aqueduct in the Andes (Lenguazque), and a forestry community in the Pacific coast (Salahonda). In order to explore the research question a multimethod framework was designed that included a first phase of economic experiments, surveys and interviews with resource users. A second field phase was carried out using the companion modeling approach (ComMod) approach. The experimental setting was used to start a co-construction of a role playing game with a group of users in each village. Once the new game was designed a group of users were invited to play the new game. Additionally, a new set of interviews was applied. An institutional analysis and a mental models study was carried out for each of the cases. The evaluative criteria of the action ar