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An Introduction toCONCEPT MAPPING

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What is a concept map? Concept map=a map of concepts

+ their relationships=a tool for representing knowledge

There’s a central topic, concepts related to the topic, and links connecting concepts

Concepts = regularities or patterns in events or objects

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Components: Nodes/boxes represent concepts nouns, noun phrases, pronouns Links (lines) represent relationships

between concepts Labels: the linking word(s) or phrases

signify the relationships between two linked concepts

Propositions: meaningful statements with two or more linked concepts

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From a proposition to a map Proposition:

Concept mapping is a useful technique.

A link goes from concept mapping to “useful technique”

The two concepts, link, and label form a meaningful statement/proposition

Concept Mapping

A useful technique

is

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Practice:propositions to maps

Proposition 1 (easier) A balanced diet contains various

types of food. Proposition 2 (more complex)

A balanced diet is a diet containing various types of food to meet daily requirements.

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Compare…

A balanced diet

Various types of

food

contains

A balanced diet

Various types of

food

A diet

is

containing

Daily requirements

To meet

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Long propositions are decomposed into more concepts and more relationships than we see in the short proposition.

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Two Types of Concept Maps Type I: Hierarchically structured concept

map more general concepts on top (a

topic/focus question) and more specific ones at lower level

Many early concept maps created by science students followed this arrangement as science concepts are more hierarchical in nature. But there are other types of concept maps, for example, semantic networks.

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Two Types of Concept Maps

Type II: Semantic Network Form a network, not

hierarchies (more reciprocal)

A central concept is at the center of the graphic frame

Other concepts drawn in a radial fashion around the central concept

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The next example is a semantic network on protein, the concept in the middle.

Arrows radiate out from the central concept to related concepts.

The boxes in yellow are linking words or labels that denote relationships.

For example, there are several propositions: “protein begins the biology net”, “protein (is) composed of amino acids”.

If you have allergies, you are having an Ig antibody-auto immune reaction to a protein in some entity.

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A Semantic Network on “protein”

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Next is a concept map about concept maps that was created by a research group at the University of West Florida.

It is much more complex than our prior examples. It is hierarchical with many levels.

On top is the central concept “concept maps”. Lower levels are more specific concepts.

Propositions may be cross links showing the interrelationships between different map segments. They can connect concepts in different segments of a concept map, e.g., here there is a link between “creativity” and “interrelationships” which are in different sections of the map

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A Hierarchical Map

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Steps to create a concept map

Identify the topic/focus question Identify major concepts Connect different concepts with

links Label the links Extend the map Refine the map

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Try it out:

Concepts related to cooking? Think about some propositions

using the concepts

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Or… Consider a topic that you would

like to map out (e.g., a topic you will be teaching in the subject area, or a topic related to your personal interest, etc.)

Be sure to arrange the concepts in hierarchical order

Be sure to follow the steps when constructing the map