What is a Concept Map? What are the benefits of using a Concept Map?

Concept mapping is a powerful and efficient way of depicting data in a graphical structure so that the entire idea being imparted can be broken down into smaller digestible bits. It was developed in the seventies.

A similar thing to concept mapping is mind mapping, and while the two are often used interchangeably, there lies an array of differences between the two designs.

Today, we explain what exactly concept maps are and the way that they can be utilized effectively to send across ideas quickly and how concept maps are different from mind maps. So, without further ado, let’s begin:

What Exactly Are Concept Maps?

As discussed above, they are a graphical way of representing digestible bits of information or ‘concepts’ into small boxes. The relationship of a certain ‘concept’ and how it is related or can lead to another ‘concept’ is represented using a line that links the two ideas. A reader can find words written on these linking lines. These are called ‘linking words.' They describe the exact relationship between two concepts in a summarized fashion. They are read progressively, from top to bottom and at the end of it, present the entire picture to the reader in the least possible words.

(Image Courtesy: Cmap)

Characteristics Of A Concept Map

Not every structural representation with words on its nodes can be classified as a concept map. There are some peculiar features of a Concept Map. Here are some of them:

Propositional Structure

To begin with, CMs are no nonsense maps. They only talk about the relevant concepts and their relationships explicitly. While forming a CM, one should keep in mind that two concepts together with their linking words should make a statement, a claim. This proposition that a CM makes is not restricted to only two concepts. Sometimes more than two concepts can be used to emulate the proposition.

(Image Courtesy: Pinterest)

Hierarchical Structure

Within any idea, there is always a hierarchy; wherein one thing leads to the other. A CM follows the traditions of any hierarchy, where the supreme ideas are listed on the top, and the less-relevant ideas occupy the bottom part of the map. Don’t confuse that a hierarchical structure is always going to be top-down. It can be a cyclic representation and still follow the hierarchical structure. All you need to remember is that the flow starts from the major and more important concept.

(Image Courtesy: Daily Teaching Tools)

Focus Question

The major motive behind formulating a CM is to answer a question. What do the concepts that occupy niches in the map try to answer? What leads to the answers? Answers are hard to find without a focus question. So one should always remember the major question one has to answer while creating a CM.

(Image Courtesy: Lucid Chart)

Advantages Of Concept Mapping

The key advantages of concept mapping are many. To begin with, such a visual representation makes the data easy to digest. The idea comes across more clearly, and it also helps in making your slides less text heavy. Besides, the human eye loves to see structures and figures, and that is where a CM can play a major part. It is an essential tool for any presentation.

(Image Courtesy: Cmap)

The Difference Between Concept Maps And Mind Maps

The techniques used in creating the two maps are completely different. The primary difference lies in the fact that a CM leverages logical thinking while an MM has more room for creativity. To get a better idea here is a pictorial representation of it:

(Image Courtesy: Flickr)

So, there you have it. We hope this article helped you. If it did, let us know about it in the comments below. We would love to hear from you!

(Feature Image Courtesy: Centre for Teaching and Assessment for Learning)