What is a Concept Map: Origin, advantages and what are they for?

Surely when you were a student you came across this topic: "What is a concept map: origin, advantages and what are they for?" Well me too. That is why today I come to leave you this article with the intention of refreshing that memory on this subject, LET'S GO THERE!

What is a concept map?

Un conceptual map it is a valuable tool that consists of a graphic scheme inspired by a particular theme. The concept map must be composed of concepts organized in a synthesized way. The concepts used can be arranged hierarchically in figures such as rectangles, circles, clouds or image oriented to the subject. They must be connected by straight or curved lines.

This map summarizes a topic in an outline of simple ideas. However, it will not only represent that, since when using it the person will have the exact idea of ​​what the exhibitor intends to base. So when it comes to capturing all the ideas of a concept map, you must maintain a structure that is easy for the viewer to process and view.

These types of tools are used thanks to the ease of organizing and processing ideas in a meaningful way; for both the exhibitor and the viewer. It should be noted that this is not a new tool. It arose thanks to David Ausubel in 1970, who developed the theory about the psychology of meaningful learning and Joseph Novak put it to work.

Learn: How to make a conceptual map of water

Origin of concept maps

The development of concept maps began in 1972, when a research program was applied at Cornell University from David Ausubel's Psychology of Learning. In this they interviewed a large number of children. There it was identified that it was really difficult for children to understand scientific concepts.

Ausubel explained that the assimilation of information was acquired through ignored concepts, compared with the concepts and prepositions that the person possesses. Hence the amazing idea of ​​schematizing information through small blocks and connections in relation to each other arranged in a hierarchical way.

It was useful not only to capture knowledge, but also to express it, and it was. It became an assessment tool to measure a person's understanding of a topic.

Elements of a Concept Map

-Concepts

They are events, situations or objects that are represented by geometric figures. Its maximum content must be three words, and verbs, dates, adjectives or proper nouns will not be considered as such. It should be something unique that is not repeated on the map.

-Linking words

They are simple words to link “the concepts”. These are usually verbs, adjectives, words that manage to express the connection between concepts. All this so that what is shown on the map is as understandable as possible. Link words are represented on the map by connecting lines. Among them are "is for", "among them are", "is part of", "will depend on", among others.

-Prepositions

It is basically a meaningful sentence of some object or event. It is the composition of two or more concepts that have a relationship between them, forming a semantic unit.

-Connections or joints

They are used to give a better meaning to the concepts that have linkage, they reveal which concepts have similarity. Lines, connections, crossed arrows are used.

You are interested in: Best programs for creating mind and concept maps

Why should you use a concept map?

The human brain quickly captures and processes visual elements unlike text. A concept map is a tool used to represent any type of knowledge. They will help to visualize the relationship of different concepts. Read and interpret a topic and then represent them through circles and lines, little by little all these objects will become a valuable diagram. They are used with great frequency in the educational sector, however it is applicable to any field.

Concept map types

By the way, we leave you here a small tutorial that can be useful if you use your PC to study: How to make my computer go faster.

LET'S KEEP GOING! The types of concept map are:

Hierarchical

It is developed starting from the basic concept. This is always located in the first place of the structure, that is, the upper part. From it, the various ideas that are generated or the other components of the subject come off, always taking into consideration the hierarchy of each one.

Spider

In the Spider-type concept map, the central theme is located right in the middle of the structure, and detaching around it are the ideas and concepts that have the lowest hierarchy. This type of outline is what makes it look like a Spider.

Organizational chart

In this map, the information of the ideas is presented in a linear way. This specifically establishes a direction for your viewing or reading. In this way, everything that is reflected in this type of concept map will make a very logical sense.

Systemic

Very similar to the concept map type organization chart. However, the shape of its structure allows people to create other branches that allow new ideas or concepts to be included.

Multidimensional

It is developed starting from a type of figure, either two-dimensional or three-dimensional, arising from the structure of a Organization chart.

Hypermedial

They can be formed starting from any of the structures already mentioned above. But each idea or text that arises emerges from a different link structure or concept map. So it expands the amount of information within its range.

Watch this: How to make a concept map of the nervous system

Differences between a concept map and a mind map

MENTAL MAP	CONCEPTUAL MAP
It is used to express a set of internally generated ideas.	It is used to organize and represent existing knowledge. Ideas are mostly generated externally
They represent a more detailed variety of tasks and concepts.	They develop academic topics, so their application is more formal.
It is displayed with a word or image in the center of the map with related ideas distributed	It is organized in a hierarchical way, placing the main topic at the top of the map and related concepts below.
Shows a specific topic from which several subtopics emerge.	Topics have multiple relationships and cross-links.

Advantages of concept maps

• A concept map is a valuable integration tool, it is a quick approach to any specific topic. It is an effective visualization for quick and meaningful learning, so anyone who uses it will benefit greatly.

• It is characterized by its simplicity and adaptation to any subject. It can be applied in any field, from the academic part, work, daily life and others.

• It encourages organized learning by developing the individual's imagination and simplifying content through synthesis.

• It favors the search for information, since the individual must consult different sources to find a connection with concepts and present an accurate content.

• Improves the reader's understanding and analytical skills; in addition to increasing creativity due to the structure that must be implemented.

Conclusions

• Due to the visual format implemented, it facilitates the understanding of topics.
• It summarizes information through new and old concepts.
• Encourage brainstorming and reading comprehension.
• Expand concepts and relationships between them.
• It encourages the creativity of the human being.
• Due to the amounts of sources and comparisons of concepts it greatly expands the knowledge.
• It shows the viewer how easy it is to learn certain topics.
• Easy expansion and implementation in different areas, work, education, health and more.