CONCEPT MAPPING

RESEARCH & WRITING SKILLS

Concept map is a diagram which illustrates relationships between concepts

Graphical tool for organising and visually representing knowledge

Pictorial representation can help ordering, comprehension and recall of information Especially useful with abstract and complex concepts Very effective in showing linkages between theoretical

concepts Especially useful as recall aid for people with strong visual

memories (photographic memory) A picture paints a thousand words...

Concept Map for Concept Maps

Source: Adapted from Joseph Novak, 2010

Drawing Concept Maps Can vary considerably in terms of complexity – from

the very simple (e.g. Basic spido-gram style) to the more elaborate multi-dimensional maps

Use of colour is recommended to delineate and highlight specific areas

Arrows used to link related concepts – may be accompanied by link words; such as ‘affect’, ‘lead to’, ‘cause’, ‘contradict’, ‘necessary for’, etc.)

See Buzan’s iMindmapping for more details and ideas: http://www.imindmap.com/videos/

Activity

Imagine that you are required to write an essay on one of the following topics. Develop a Concept Map that will assist you in designing a plan for your essay:

TECHNOLOGY AND THE ‘ARAB SPRING’

A PRESIDENCY FOR THE TIMES: THE IRISH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2011

THE EURO CRISIS: WHERE TO NOW FOR IRELAND?

Further Reading

Novak, J.D. (2010); Learning, Creating, and Using Knowledge: Concept Maps As Facilitative Tools in Schools and Corporations , 2nd Edition, New Jersey: Routledge.

Cottrell, S. (2008) The study skills handbook , (3rd ed ition) Palgrave, UK. chs 8&9 .