An Introduction to Concept Mapping
What Is Concept Mapping? Concept mapping . . . ● ●
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Is a structured process Focuses on a topic or construct of interest Involves input from one or more participants Produces an interpretable pictorial view (concept map) of ideas and concepts and how these are interrelated
What is concept mapping? It helps individuals think as a group... without losing their individuality.
It helps groups to manage complexity... without trivializing or losing detail.
Steps in the Concept Mapping Process
Steps in the Process 1. Generate up to 100 statements that describe The elements of the training or The desired outcomes
1 Manage time effectively. 4 Manage resources effectively. 14 Scan a multitude of information and decide what is 20Decide how to manage multiple tasks. important. 39Organize the work when directions are not specific. 49Work quickly and effectively under pressure.
1. Generate up to 100 statements that describe The elements of the training or The desired outcomes . . .
Decide how to manage multiple tasks. 20 Manage resources effectively. 4
Work quickly and effectively under pressure 49
Organize the work when directions are not specific. 39
2. Sort the statements into piles of similar ones
1. Generate up to 100 statements that describe The elements of the training or The desired outcomes
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2. Sort the statements into piles of similar ones 3. Rate the statements according to importance
1. Generate up to 100 statements that describe The elements of the training or The desired outcomes
2. Sort the statements into piles of similar ones 3. Rate the statements according to importance 4. Analyze the data to develop maps
1. Generate up to 100 statements that describe The elements of the training or The desired outcomes . .
Technical Issues
Processes/ Methodology Graphical User
2. Sort the statements into piles of similar ones
Interface Documentation
Change Control
Management
Client Issues
Personal Awareness & Skill
Team Issues
5. Interpret the maps
3. Rate the statements according to importance
4. Analyze the data to develop maps
1. Generate up to 100 statements that describe The elements of the training or The desired outcomes
6. Use the maps
5. Interpret the maps
2. Sort the statements into piles of similar ones 3. Rate the statements according to importance
4. Analyze the data to develop maps
A Concept Mapping Example Development of a Business Training Course
Example Processes/ Methodology Technical Issues
This is what a final concept map looks like.
Graphical User Interface
Documentation Client Issues Change Control Management
Layer 1 2 3 4 5
Low 2.70 2.98 3.26 3.54 3.82
High 2.98 3.26 3.54 3.82 4.10
Personal Awareness & Skill
Team Issues
Example Processes/ Methodology Technical Issues
Graphical User Interface
Documentation Client Issues
Change Control
Management Layer 1 2 3 4 5
Low 2.70 2.98 3.26 3.54 3.82
High 2.98 3.26 3.54 3.82 4.10
Team Issues
Personal Awareness & Skill
Here’s how we build it...
Example 13
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This initial map shows all the elements of the training in relation to each other.
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35 47
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39 1 Manage time effectively. Manage resources effectively. 49 Scan a multitude of 4 information and decide what is 55 20 20Decide how to manage multiple tasks. important. 39Organize the work when directions are not specific. 49Work quickly and effectively under pressure. 1 4 14
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40 48
46
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19 53
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Example 13
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42 33 28
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26 52
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How the training elements were grouped into clusters of similar ones.
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37
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48
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11 56
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Example Processes/ Methodology Graphical User Interface
Technical Issues
The major components of the training can be labeled.
Documentation
Client Issues
Change Control
Management Team Issues Personal Awareness & Skill
Example Processes/ Methodology
Graphical User Interface
Technical Issues Documentation
The relative importance or emphasis of each training component
Client Issues
Change Control
Management Layer 1 2 3 4 5
Low 2.70 2.98 3.26 3.54 3.82
High 2.98 3.26 3.54 3.82 4.10
Personal Awareness & Skill
Team Issues
Some Advantages of Concept Mapping ●
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Overcomes ambiguities in verbal communication Avoids “forcing” consensus Embraces diversity Refocus dialogue on the right issues Allows for emergent ideas Models real-life complexity Surfaces the disconnects before spending resources