In recent years researchers have had a keen interest in scientific misconceptions and conceptual change. This paper describes approaches that can be used to provide a greater understanding of how students understand reality. The objective is to map belief space or terrain of belief regarding nature, i.e., to map the qualitatively different conceptualizations of nature held by students, including their perceived relationship to nature, and causality. The primary method used is the semi-structured interview. Interview sequence #1 explores the essence of nature that starts with landscape photographs and questions. Subsequently, 3 devices are employed to elicit conversation beyond what the questions and photographs could accomplish. These involve three sets of words and sentences (word sort, statement sort, and dyad comparisons) that relate ideas about nature and utilize a think aloud protocol. Interview sequence #2 explores the person's perceived relationship with nature. Sequence #3 investigates the understanding of cause. (PR)