Concept Mapping

Once you select a general topic you are interested in researching, it is a good idea to take time to brainstorm any and all aspects or ideas related to your broader topic. A common mistake students will make when writing a research paper is they will want to jump straight from choosing a topic to searching for sources, without thinking about what kinds of information they will need. Concept mapping is a technique that will help you create a visual image or diagram of your topic and how it connects with other ideas or concepts. Write down any and all related issues that you think are related to your topic. The concept map helps you focus your thinking, prompting you to start asking questions about your topic.

Description:

Using the topic that you have selected for your research, sign up to create your own Concept Map of your topic using the free version of Popplet. (An example of a completed concept map is provided below.) Using Popplet or the blank concept map linked under Assignment below, type your proposed topic into the Main Topic oval on the Concept Map.

Thinking freely, without any expectation of the result, start creating a concept map of your topic, similar to the example provided. Write down any and all related words, concepts, people, places or things, even remotely related to your topic idea, in the appropriate areas on the worksheet.

This analysis usually requires obtaining some background information about your Main Topic. You will want to use an authoritative reference source, such as a Subject Encyclopedia or a Handbook. To locate a Subject Encyclopedia dealing with your topic, check the RHS reference collection or search the Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Example:

Click Here to see a .pdf example of a completed Concept Map.

Assignment:

With the information you have found on your topic, fill in a blank Concept Map Worksheet

Remember this is a brainstorming exercise, so anything you think might be related to your topic should be included as a part of your Concept Map.