What are the characteristics of a concept map?

We continue with the plan to make it very clear to you what is a concept map, its advantages and what they are for and also, now we will teach you in detail what are the characteristics of a concept map.

We must keep clear that there is no single way to create a concept map, and that in turn there are different types of them and also with several characteristics. That is why it is important to highlight that your organization is going to be defined according to the theme that you are going to develop.

Learn: The best programs for making mind and concept maps

You will have to ask yourself certain questions and give them answers with the most important aspects that you want to highlight. Generally one of the most important characteristics of a concept map is to do it with a single word. They are carried out in order to:

• Ask questions to give you an answer through what will be displayed on the map.

• Use the words together with symbols and colors, to detail them efficiently and quickly.

• Connect different concepts through lines, expanding the context of the map and adding more ideas to it.

• Create a viewer-friendly design to enhance visual impact.

Maybe you are interested in: How to make a concept map of water

You will have to ask yourself certain questions and give them answers with the most important aspects that you want to highlight. Generally one of the most important characteristics of a concept map is to do it with a single word. They are carried out in order to:

• Ask questions to give you an answer through what will be displayed on the map.

• Use the words together with symbols and colors, to detail them efficiently and quickly.

• Connect different concepts through lines, expanding the context of the map and adding more ideas to it.

• Create a viewer-friendly design to enhance visual impact.

Simplicity is the key to success, so one of the most recommended concept map features is displaying a simple outline.

You can see: How to make a concept map of the nervous system

Building a map step by step

For the preparation of a conceptual map it is prudent that it contains the following characteristics:

• Having the selected topic, the main characteristic is to ask focus questions to specify the possible answers that will later be reflected in the concepts / keywords.

• A summarized information with the minimum amount of possible elements.

• The questions to be considered should refer to the most salient aspects of the subject, such as events, dates, places, as well as other concepts that you will add in said concept map, which is closely related to the previous concept; or failing that they are totally opposite.

Choose where you will build your conceptual map, either physically (sheets of paper) or virtually (on your computer). There are countless applications and web pages where you can let your imagination run wild and get the most out of it. Here you can learn how to create a concept map in Word.

You can also prepare it as a presentation under the .PPS extension in Power Point or in Publisher, creating it in the form of a brochure if you choose.

Recommendations

• Connect ideas or sentences (no more than three words) through arrows, this shape represents one of the main characteristics of a concept map.
• After putting together your scheme, review each aspect that you placed, make sure that it contains each or most of the characteristics of a concept map that we specify here. In the case of using it to expose, you have already handled each of the concepts that are in it. It is necessary that the person who will execute the conceptual map masters the subject to be developed, or that he is willing to document himself sufficiently; thus
  guarantees successful teaching / learning.

Gathering these characteristics, your concept map will be the best. It will give a clear message to both whoever prepares it and who receives the information.