concept map

(noun)

A diagram that shows the relationships between concepts. Concepts are written in circles or rectangular boxes, which are connected by arrows that are labeled with phrases such as "is a," "gives rise to," "results in," "is required by," or "contributes to" that denote the relationships between concepts.

Related Terms

(noun)

A diagram of related ideas.

Related Terms

Examples of concept map in the following topics:

  • Clustering and Concept Mapping

    • Creating a concept map is an easy way to visually represent the relationships among your ideas.
    • This is a tactic in which you write down a very broad topic or idea and then make a concept map, in which you diagram smaller ideas or categories (clusters) that relate to the central topic.
    • Make sure that you don't censor yourself when you're making a concept map: add anything you feel is related to your topic and let it flow!

  • Step 1: Prewriting and Choosing a Topic

    • Prewriting refers to what you do before you begin writing, whether that's brainstorming, making a concept map, or making an outline.  
    • The goal of clustering, or concept mapping, is to generate lots of ideas about a very broad topic, much like freewriting.
    • As each word triggers new ideas, you write those down, circle them, and connect them with the word that inspired them, radiating out to create a concept map.
    • You can then choose the ideas you think are best suited for your assignment and use the organization of the concept map to guide your writing.

  • Turning Your Topic Into a Question

    • Try free-writing questions about your topic, or making a concept map of things you want to discuss.

  • Step 2: Researching

    • Sometimes, a concept map can be of use during this phase, helping you see how things are related.

  • Step 4: Drafting

    • And if you need creative inspiration, doodle a concept map around your paragraph's claim or chat about it with a friend.
    • You have your thesis and all of the points of argument and counter-argument mapped out, along with their supporting evidence.

  • Entering the Scientific Conversation

    • 9) What are the key concepts?
    • How are key concepts introduced?
    • What is the relationship between different key concepts?

  • Understanding Your Sources

  • Introduction and Thesis

    • A popular introduction structure is the concept-funnel—begin with general information about your topic, narrow the focus and provide context, and end by distilling your paper's specific approach.
    • As you move from general background information to the specifics of your project, try to create a road map for your paper.
    • The vague thesis: If your thesis statement is too general, it will not provide a "road map" for readers.

  • Approaches to Your Introductory Paragraph

    • A popular introduction structure is the concept-funnel.
    • As you move from general background information to the specifics of your project, try to create a road map for your paper.
    • Order the elements of an introductory paragraph that uses concept-funnel structure

  • Scholarly Sources

    • In a history paper, it may be a historical document such as a letter, a journal, a map, the transcription of a news broadcast, or the original results of a study conducted during the time period under review.