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Concept maps are used to portray knowledge in terms of interconnected statements. For a broader introduction to concept maps, see Dr. Luckie's page on concept maps.
The building blocks to a C-TOOLS concept map are described below.
Words and phrases
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A concept map is made of words and phrases. |
Links between words and phrases
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A concept map links together words and phrases. |
Different kinds of words and phrases
A concept map consists of words and phrases that operate either as | |||
standalone concepts | or | links between concepts | |
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Propositions
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A concept word or phrase linked to a linking word or phrase linked to another concept word or phrase represents a proposition. |
Hierarchy
A concept map organizes information into clusters based
on the strength of their association. This clustering of information
in a concept map presents a navigable hierarchy for both the maker
and viewer of the concept map.
Cross-links
A concept map can also have cross-links which show how clusters of information
(also called knowledge domains) relate to one another.
The following is a brief illustration of what represents a reasonably well-constructed concept map versus a poorly constructed concept map. From the following explanation, you should be able to learn the basics of concept map design.
MAP #1: A reasonably well-constructed concept map
MAP #2: A poorly constructed concept map
Explanation
General criteria for concept map construction are:
With these four criteria, we can begin to evaluate the differences between MAP #1 and MAP #2 above.
MAP #1 | MAP #2 | |
ORGANIZED HIERARCHY | Well-balanced.
There is branching at most levels along the hierarchical trees. |
Unbalanced. For instance, the MAP #2 phrase "will measure things including amounts" does not present a branching hierarchy of information. |
CONCEPT WORDS | Uses specific terminology e.g. "typical value", "variation" |
Vague e.g. "things", "in many ways" |
PROPOSITIONS | Correct | Somewhat correct The vagueness of the words still impacts the amount of meaning that can be associated with the concept map. |
CROSS-LINKING | There is cross-linking
The "Typical Value" hierarchy cross-links with the "Spread" hierarchy at the word "outliers". |
There is not any cross-linking The "things" hierarchy does not cross-link to the "in many ways" hierarchy. |
Based on the table above, MAP #1 is a superior concept map to MAP #2.
For a more detailed explanation on concept maps and their construction, please visit Dr. Luckie's page on concept maps.
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