Guidelines for Concept Mapping

• Concept = term associated with a regular pattern of observed objects or events
• Proposition = two concepts related by linking word or a proposed linkage between two concepts

Steps:

1. Obtain or generate a list of concepts to be included
1. list may be provided by instructor
2. otherwise brainstorm concepts/terms
2. Think about grouping and heirarchy of concepts
1. group related concepts/terms
2. consider heirarchial order of concepts
1. what are most general or inclusive concepts
2. identify increasingly less inclusive or less general concepts
3. specific examples might be the least inclusive level of map
3. Add concepts of map
1. write the most general or most inclusive concept at top of page
2. circle each concept as you add them
3. add less inclusive concepts below first concept organizing subconcepts in levels or teirs below main concept
4. Indicate realtionships between pairs of concepts by drawing a line or arrow between them
1. use a line to indicate two-way relationships between concepts
2. use an arrow to indicate realtionships that are valid in only one direction
5. Arrange concepts on map according to groups
1. add related concepts to same area of map
2. groups of main concepts might form various branches of heirarchy
6. Add lists of specific examples to map
1. note meaningful examples for you belwo concepts, but do not circle them
2. limit lists to those that are most significant to you - no need to be exhaustive
7. Add notes as necessary
1. indicate areas where you have questions
2. explanations for linkages that you made
3. provide other useful information
8. Label every proposition (line or arrow) with a linking word
1. indicate nature of relationship between concepts
2. write the word on or over the line
3. the following are some useful linking words
• contains
• includes
• made by
• can be
• such as
• lives in
• occurs in 
• may indicate
• measured by
• have
• are from
• is involved in
• based on
• limits
• determines
• takes place when
• uses
• produces
• increased by
• influences
• to form
• can be converted to
9. Redraw the concept map
1. always redraw at least once
2. never will first attempt clearly represent knowledge
3. clean up and clarify relationships
4. Use color to clarify crosslinks