Concept Mapping: Basics of Concept Mapping

• Concepts - perceived regularity or pattern in events or objects designated by a label (usually a word or two). (Moon, 2011). 
• Propositions - are really the basic units of meanings people form, and consists of two concepts joined by linking words to make a meaningful statement. (Moon, 2011). 

Concepts maps are usually structured hierarchically, with more general and more inclusive concepts found higher in the structure and arranged from general to specific or in a logical order (Colosimo, 2023). 

Concepts are connected and linked together with words or phrases that define the relationship. The concepts and linking words form propositions, or statements, so that maps can be read at any point (Colosimo, 2023). 

Here are the basic steps in concept mapping (Colosimo, A., 2023). 

1. Define the focus. Analyze your research question. 
2. Choose the concepts. Select the concepts that describes the events or object involved. In research, this is also determining your variables in the research question. On average, a good concept map has an average of 15-20 concepts. 
3. Map the concepts. Once the concepts are identified, arranged the concept hierarchically from general to specific, and/or logically. 
4. Connect the concepts. Create propositions through adding linking words and phrases to define relationship of one concept to another. 

Concept mapping has been beneficial in both education and business sectors as it: (Colosimo, 2023)

• Articulates/generates ideas
• Promotes meaning learning
• Captures expert knowledge
• Helps in project planning

• Cmap Tools is used widely by various sectors in generating ideas. It is free and you can download it. 
• LucidChart has a free account with some limited functionalities. It also enables collaboration when working on any templates. 
• Google Drawings: Create drawings in Google Drive by selecting NEW.
•  Free options: Mind42, Mindmeister, FreeMind, XMind