Difference between pages "Concept maps or mind maps? the choice" and "Creativity through mind mapping"

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Sometimes you will have no choiceIn an educational setting, some educators require their students to make concept maps, others mandate mind maps.   
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Mind mapping seems to have a built-in quality that helps with creativityThe freedom to add a new thought anywhere and draw connections, opens the mind and unblocks thinking.   
  
But most of the time we are free to choose. Then, the key determinants of when you would use each type of map will usually be these:
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[[Image:Odd Combinations Mind Map.jpg|thumb|439px| (click the thumbnail for a full-size version)]] Paul Foreman, the prolific mind mapper of '''MindMapInspiration''' says "Mind maps open the floodgates to creativity and are a brilliant format for thinking. Occasionally to fire the imagination, a new theme, central starting point or idea is needed. Whilst "thinking outside the box" has become a familiar term, harnessing ideas from the silence within may be a relatively new concept. Tapping into our inner resources can provide the necessary armory for idea creation. By using simple and basic meditation techniques it is possible to slow or stop the train of thoughts, combat over-thinking, encourage new avenues and unearth hidden potential. Being stuck for ideas on the outside could be the signal to look within."
:* your purpose in making the map,
 
:* how you will use it,
 
:* the audience (if other than yourself) that you intend it for,
 
:* if you are not drawing maps by hand, the software you use, and naturally
 
:* your personal preference.
 
  
If you have elected to use mind maps, you still have a choice between Buzan mind maps and common mind maps in their various forms.
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"Coupling random words and unusual connections can make creative exploration fun and reveal some unique ideas." See the "Odd combinations" mind map on the right from "Idea Creation"<ref>[http://mindmaps.moonfruit.com/#/ideacreationebook/4532187459 Paul Foreman's  Idea Creation book]</ref> by Paul Foreman (click the thumbnail for a full-size version).
  
This article is not about which type is 'better'.  It discusses appropriate times to use the different types.
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This ties in with one of Edward de Bono's suggestions (see below) for breaking the creativity log jam: Open a dictionary at a random page, pick a word, and then try to form a connection between that word and the subject of your creative intentThis can often take you off in a new direction with a lateral jump that might not otherwise have come to you.
  
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== A mind map about creativity ==
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[[Image:Serious-Creativity-de-Bono.jpg|right|439px|thumb|''Serious Creativity'' (de Bono)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'''[http://www.informationtamers.com/Flash/Serious-Creativity-de-Bono.swf Interactive Flash]'''&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'''[http://www.informationtamers.com/PDF/Serious-Creativity-de-Bono.pdf Interactive PDF]''']]
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Edward de Bono's book ''Serious Creativity'' is seriously useful in getting the creative juices flowing.  It's a fascinating read, but by the time you've finished, you won't remember it all, so here is a mind map to remind you of the key points:
  
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There is a very cut-down image of a mind map on the right. The following two links open an active, much more comprehensive version of that mind map in a separate browser window.  This map has expanding branches. 
  
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Interactive map: [http://www.informationtamers.com/Flash/Serious-Creativity-de-Bono.swf Flash (recommended)]
  
== Concept maps have rigor, mind maps have vigor ==
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:::&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[http://www.informationtamers.com/PDF/Serious-Creativity-de-Bono.pdf PDF] [http://www.informationtamers.com/Mindjet-Player-problems.html (problem?)]
Like most generalizations this is a simplification, but it captures the essential differences, as described in more detail below. It encapsulates the philosophy of WikIT, that no type of map is "right" and no sets of rules work all the time.
 
  
What is important is to know ''when'' it's appropriate to use ''which'', and '''how'''We hope all who contributed material to WikIT will have made it easy for you to decide.
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== Buzan's "one keyword per line" guideline and creativity ==
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Writing a phrase can finish the thoughtBreaking the phrase into keywords and then looking for intermediate junctions that suggest other words and therefore other lines of thought can open up your thinking.
  
== Concept maps can be ... precise and verifiable ==
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This, then, is the essence of Buzan's justification for single keywords: Each keyword has its own associations. Explore those and you will enhance your creativity.
[[Image:Hong Kong's legal framework.png|thumb|250px|right|A simple example of a concept map]]
 
Novak<ref name=underlying>[http://cmap.ihmc.us/Publications/ResearchPapers/TheoryCmaps/TheoryUnderlyingConceptMaps.htm The theory underlying concept maps] and how to construct and use them. Joseph D. Novak & Alberto J. Cañas</ref>, the leading figure in the development of concept maps and research into their effectiveness, has given this clear description:
 
  
"Concept maps are graphical tools for organizing and representing knowledge. They include concepts, usually enclosed in circles or boxes of some type, and relationships between concepts indicated by a connecting line linking two concepts. Words on the line, referred to as linking words or linking phrases, specify the relationship between the two concepts."
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Take the mind map above about Serious Creativity.  It has a node "thinking hats" referring to de Bono's Six Thinking Hats method. If instead there had been two nodes: "thinking" and "hats", we might have considered adding other nodes to thinking, like "organizing", "improving" and "wishful". The thought of de Bono's Six Thinking Hats would not have closed off the line of thought.  Instead it would trigger ideas about other aspects of thinking that are covered in this book.
  
"Another characteristic of concept maps is that the concepts are represented in a hierarchical fashion with the most inclusive, most general concepts at the top of the map and the more specific, less general concepts arranged hierarchically below."
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There are times when using this guideline is not a good idea (see [[Buzan's mind map guidelines in practical use#"Use one keyword per line"|one keyword]]), but mind maps for creativity is one where it can make a real and positive difference (along with [[Deep analysis with mind maps]] and [[~Learning with mind maps]]).
  
"Another important characteristic of concept maps is the inclusion of ''cross-links''."
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There is one more thing to keep in mind:  When you feel you're on a roll; the ideas are tumbling out; even writing seems to slow you down; then don't stop to obey the single-keyword guideline.  The flow will likely dry up.  Come back later and re-work those areas where you have phrases and you will probably be able to squeeze out more ideas.  This guideline is there to help you squeeze more out of your mind map, not force you into a mold that ends up limiting your creativity.
  
"There are two features of concept maps that are important in the facilitation of creative thinking: the hierarchical structure that is represented in a good map and the ability to search for and characterize new cross links."
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== Mind Maps are not restricted to words ==
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Keyword mapping is great but a picture paints a thousand words. Key word maps are easy to produce with any of the mind mapping software tools.  But since 2004 MindManager users and other applications have been able to run on a Tablet PC.  These are great for drawing pictures but this function seems very under exploited.  At a recent [http://www.vizthink.com VizThink] meeting we were challenged by the speaker to produce pictures not words about three questions.  This is the record of one groups discussion.  Each image is in a floating topic.  This allows the images to be rearranged not to tell a story but to fit a good aspect ratio for displaying them all on one screen from a projector. [[Image:http://www.applications.cabre.co.uk/uploaded_images/LEADERSHIP-703833.png|right|thumb|320px| (click the thumbnail for a full-size version)]].  The full write up can be found at [http://www.applications.cabre.co.uk/2009/01/forget-text-just-use-pictures.html Forget the Text. Just use Pictures. MindManager and the Tablet PC does the job]
  
Variations on the hierarchical maps are also found, and Novak<ref>[http://cmc.ihmc.us/cmc2006Papers/cmc2006-p247.pdf Re-examining the foundations for effective use of concept maps Alberto J. Cañas and Joseph D. Novak]</ref> has this to say:
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'''{{stub}}'''
"Concept maps modeled with a circular structure ... lead to significantly more instances of meaningful or dynamic propositions when compared with concept maps modeled with a tree-like structure."
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<References/>
 
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[[Category:Creativity]]
 
 
If you are setting out to absorb knowledge, or convince a teacher, tutor or professor (or even yourself) that you understand a topic, a concept map is a natural choice.  The concept / relational phrase / concept set, like ...
 
 
 
:'''''Hong Kong''''' administers itself except for '''''Foreign affairs and Security'''''
 
 
 
... is a proposition that can be discussed or argued over.  In principle, it is verifiable.
 
 
 
A concept map is also a suitable medium for capturing tacit knowledge, and for the same reason: The accuracy or otherwise of each proposition can be evaluated and discussed. 
 
 
 
The heading says "can be precise", because of course there is no guarantee that they will be.  It is possible to make concept maps that are incomplete, demonstrate limited understanding or are just downright wrong.  This is one of the attributes that makes academics favor them as a teaching tool<ref>[http://redie.uabc.mx/vol2no1/contents-ruizpri.html On the Use of Concept maps as an assessment tool in science]: What we have learned so far - María Araceli Ruiz-Primo</ref>.  Another is that you cannot make a concept map of a subject unless you have a reasonable understanding of the subject.  They support meaningful learning rather than learning by rote.
 
 
 
Concept maps are not limited by the element of rigor.  Novak reports<ref name="underlying"/> that there "are two features of concept maps that are important in the facilitation of creative thinking: the hierarchical structure that is represented in a good map and the ability to search for and characterize new cross-links."
 
 
 
This article is mainly about '''''when''''' you would choose to make a concept map and when a mind map.  You may also wish to refer to [[How to make a concept map]].
 
 
 
== Mind maps are ... personal, flexible and stimulating ==
 
 
 
("Mind maps" here is taken to include [[spidergrams]] and [[bubble charts]].)
 
 
 
Mind mapping is more flexible, and more personal than concept mapping.  This observation is not intended to set mind maps above (or below) concept maps, but to differentiate the two types. 
 
 
 
===== Categorize and sub-categorize =====
 
 
 
Mind maps are used to slice and dice the central concept in a large number of different ways, or explore branches out from the center.  Concept maps are rarely suitable for that.  Mind maps are expedient in nature, and are more likely to be judged 'correct' if the person using them finds them useful, rather than if someone else agrees with their content.  Mind mappers strongly favor the use of images and color, a stimulating addition to the mapping activity.
 
 
 
===== The audience =====
 
 
 
The audience is very important, though.  Mind maps may be made for their author to refer to in the future, they may be made for a presentation to a group, or they may be built in a collaborative environment as part of a task to solve a problem.
 
 
 
If the audience is not limited to the author alone, then mind maps must be clear and logical, but if you make one just for yourself, to spark ideas say, you may be happy to throw it away at the end of the exercise.  If you are satisfied with the ideas generated, the map is 'correct' no matter what others might have thought of it.
 
 
 
===== An example =====
 
[[Image:Finance-and-Business-Support.png|thumb|250px|right|Finance and Business Support review]]This case study is based on an examination of the Finance and Business Support function of a large corporation.  We can imagine a consultant being called in to review the departments and units under this function.  After the usual steps to define the objectives, scope and approach of the project the consultant had a scope mind map outlining the functions covered by Finance and Business Support.  This was not an [[Organization charts|organization chart]] because it focused entirely on business requirements, not department or job titles.  The organization chart provided useful clues, but discussion with the project sponsors was the principal source.  During those discussions, the consultant had noted specific issues mentioned and added them to the mind map in easy-to-spot black.
 
 
 
The first phase of the project proper began with discussions with interested parties at a level subordinate to the project sponsors, but still senior managers.  The main reason for these meetings was to meet the parties involved, and learn their concerns.  The items were placed under the appropriate business function in the mind map - still black, to provide a visual clue to areas needing study.
 
 
 
As the study and gathering of information continues, the map was built up.  The black nodes were gradually replaced with detailed findings about the issues raised, and sometimes the nodes with new information on them was relocated, as understanding of the issues grew and solutions were discussed and investigated.
 
 
 
For this type of use, the principal need is to record information and categorize it in an appropriate way.  The ability to move items around, attach them to nodes is invaluable in the context of business study.  The categorization invariably changes as understanding of the needs and way of operating of the business grows.
 
 
 
===== Buzan guidelines =====
 
It turns out that following the Buzan guidelines rarely works well for this type of map (referred to on WikIT as a [[Common mind maps|common mind map]]).  See the next section.
 
 
 
===== Large maps =====
 
It also happens that mind maps for significant projects quickly become too large for convenient handling.  That will be true for mind maps and concept maps though, so is not likely to be a factor in your choice of the type of map to use.  See [[large mind maps]] for more about this.
 
 
 
== Common mind maps or Buzan mind maps? ==
 
 
 
Above, the consultant chose to use a common mind map.  If you are faced with such a choice and haven't formed your own opinions yet, a comparison of the benefits of common mind maps and [[Buzan mind maps]] is what you need.
 
 
 
The map above could benefit from the application of some of Buzan's guidelines.  For example, although it uses color, including simple images would make it easier for the consultant to find a subject area quickly.  Taking the guidelines one by one, we can weigh advantages and disadvantages for different applications of mind maps.
 
 
 
[[Image:map-shapes.png|right|thumb|MindManager and Xmind layout options]]
 
===== Centered and radiant =====
 
 
 
===== Use of pictures =====
 
A picture can express the main topic of the mind map immediately and is claimed to spark new ideas more easily.  Nevertheless you will see few mind maps that do not also have the central topic expressed in words as well.  In business, pictures, especially if not chosen with a good sense of design, or made with skill, can give a childish appearance that turns other people off the whole idea if they are not mind mappers themselves.
 
 
 
===== Use of colors =====
 
 
 
===== Curved organic lines, thicker at the center =====
 
 
 
===== One keyword per line =====
 
 
 
===== Use images throughout =====
 
 
 
===== Develop your own personal style of mind maps =====
 
 
 
===== Use emphasis and show associations in your mindmap =====
 
 
 
===== Use "radiant" hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches =====
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
{{sectionstub}}
 
 
 
== References ==
 
<references/>
 

Revision as of 06:02, 12 February 2009

Mind mapping seems to have a built-in quality that helps with creativity. The freedom to add a new thought anywhere and draw connections, opens the mind and unblocks thinking.

(click the thumbnail for a full-size version)

Paul Foreman, the prolific mind mapper of MindMapInspiration says “Mind maps open the floodgates to creativity and are a brilliant format for thinking. Occasionally to fire the imagination, a new theme, central starting point or idea is needed. Whilst “thinking outside the box” has become a familiar term, harnessing ideas from the silence within may be a relatively new concept. Tapping into our inner resources can provide the necessary armory for idea creation. By using simple and basic meditation techniques it is possible to slow or stop the train of thoughts, combat over-thinking, encourage new avenues and unearth hidden potential. Being stuck for ideas on the outside could be the signal to look within.”

“Coupling random words and unusual connections can make creative exploration fun and reveal some unique ideas.” See the “Odd combinations” mind map on the right from “Idea Creation”[1] by Paul Foreman (click the thumbnail for a full-size version).

This ties in with one of Edward de Bono’s suggestions (see below) for breaking the creativity log jam: Open a dictionary at a random page, pick a word, and then try to form a connection between that word and the subject of your creative intent. This can often take you off in a new direction with a lateral jump that might not otherwise have come to you.

A mind map about creativity[edit]

Serious Creativity (de Bono)    Interactive Flash    Interactive PDF

Edward de Bono’s book Serious Creativity is seriously useful in getting the creative juices flowing. It’s a fascinating read, but by the time you’ve finished, you won’t remember it all, so here is a mind map to remind you of the key points:

There is a very cut-down image of a mind map on the right. The following two links open an active, much more comprehensive version of that mind map in a separate browser window. This map has expanding branches.

Interactive map: Flash (recommended)

     PDF (problem?)

Buzan’s “one keyword per line” guideline and creativity[edit]

Writing a phrase can finish the thought. Breaking the phrase into keywords and then looking for intermediate junctions that suggest other words and therefore other lines of thought can open up your thinking.

This, then, is the essence of Buzan’s justification for single keywords: Each keyword has its own associations. Explore those and you will enhance your creativity.

Take the mind map above about Serious Creativity. It has a node “thinking hats” referring to de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats method. If instead there had been two nodes: “thinking” and “hats”, we might have considered adding other nodes to thinking, like “organizing”, “improving” and “wishful”. The thought of de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats would not have closed off the line of thought. Instead it would trigger ideas about other aspects of thinking that are covered in this book.

There are times when using this guideline is not a good idea (see one keyword), but mind maps for creativity is one where it can make a real and positive difference (along with Deep analysis with mind maps and ~Learning with mind maps).

There is one more thing to keep in mind: When you feel you’re on a roll; the ideas are tumbling out; even writing seems to slow you down; then don’t stop to obey the single-keyword guideline. The flow will likely dry up. Come back later and re-work those areas where you have phrases and you will probably be able to squeeze out more ideas. This guideline is there to help you squeeze more out of your mind map, not force you into a mold that ends up limiting your creativity.

Mind Maps are not restricted to words[edit]

Keyword mapping is great but a picture paints a thousand words. Key word maps are easy to produce with any of the mind mapping software tools. But since 2004 MindManager users and other applications have been able to run on a Tablet PC. These are great for drawing pictures but this function seems very under exploited. At a recent VizThink meeting we were challenged by the speaker to produce pictures not words about three questions. This is the record of one groups discussion. Each image is in a floating topic. This allows the images to be rearranged not to tell a story but to fit a good aspect ratio for displaying them all on one screen from a projector.

. The full write up can be found at Forget the Text. Just use Pictures. MindManager and the Tablet PC does the job