Concept Map
Project 2
Logic and Errors in Reasoning
Overview:
Your second project will consist, as outlined in your syllabus (learning guide), of a concept map which will be produced in teams of 2 and will be presented in class starting Tuesday, October 2 and extending until Thursday, October 4. To read the project’s guidelines and description, click here.
Here are some examples, just to give a few:
These are some concept maps I created using MindNote for Mac (14 day trial). I exported them as PNG and embedded them directly on my story, then selected the maximum size where necessary. It took me maybe 30 minutes each. It has a learning curve, but once you pass it, it is a super easy and convenient tool to use. Note the use of connectors, arrows, terms and concepts, and how it has a linear flow (either top to bottom or sidewards).
Concept Maps
Concept maps are also referred to as conceptual diagrams. While other types of diagrams may look similar, concept maps have specific characteristics differentiating them from other visual tools.
Concepts
Concepts are defined as “perceived regularities or patterns in events or objects, or records of events or objects, designated by a label” and are depicted as shapes in the diagram.
Linking words/phrases
Linking words or phrases are located on the lines connecting objects in a concept map, and these words describe the relationship between two concepts. They are as concise as possible and typically contain a verb. Examples include “causes,” “includes” and “requires.”
Propositional structure
Propositions are meaningful statements made up of two or more concepts connected with linking words. These statements are also known as semantic units or units of meaning. Concepts and propositions are the foundation for the creation of new knowledge in a domain. Essentially, a concept map visually conveys a set of propositions about a certain topic.
Hierarchical structure
A key element of the concept map is its hierarchical structure. The most general and inclusive concepts are positioned at the top of a concept map with the more specific and exclusive concepts arranged hierarchically below. As such, a concept map is designed to read from top to bottom.
Focus question
A focus question defines the issue or problem the concept map needs to solve. Developing a focus question allows you to design with a context in mind and thus helps guide and maintain the direction of your concept map. Within the hierarchical structure, the focus question should be at the very top of the concept map and serve as a reference point.
How to construct a concept map
Here are the basic steps in constructing a concept map. We have a much more detailed article with instructions on how to make a concept map step by step, if you’re ready to learn more.
- Identify the focus question or main topic — think about the problem or issue you want the concept map to resolve. This idea should connect to all others on your map and will guide the hierarchical structure.
- Identify all the key concepts that relate to the main idea you identified. Order them with the most general concepts first and the more specific concepts last. This list is referred to as the parking lot.
- Create a preliminary concept map linking the concepts together. Remember to add linking words or phrases on the lines to demonstrate how the concepts are related.
- Add cross-links to connect concepts in different domains.
- Continually revise your concept map as needed.
- Verify its efficacy by using it as a tool to explain the main idea or topic to others (which is what you will do as a presentation).
Supportive exemplifying images or diagrams
You can also include supporting images like this one to aid your presentation:
Sources
And finally, make sure you include references from every team member. Throughout your studies you will seldom produce quality academic work with less than 5 reliable sources of information (include all sources, from textbooks, to lectures, to presentations, external sources, software, websites, etc…)
