methodatlas
Decision Making

Argument Mapping

Clarifies options, criteria, and risks by framing the central question, recording the main claim, and marking weak spots.

Core question
Which claim is supported by which reasons and evidence, where are the counterarguments, and which gaps must be closed before a decision is made?
MediumWorkshop + async1-3 h
Open runsheetPlan sessionStart comparison
Purpose

The method helps clarify options, criteria, and risks concretely. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as an Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, and Decision Rationale.

How it works

The team follows the steps: frame the central question, record the main claim, collect pro and con arguments, add evidence, and mark weak spots. Each step is captured visibly. At the end, an Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, and Decision Rationale are available so decisions, tests, or actions can follow directly.

Visual orientation

Method sketch for a quick mental model.

Argument Mapping · Reasoning MapMake thesis, pro and contra reasons, evidence, and test gaps visible as a logical structure
Argument Mapping Reasoning MapThe sketch shows an argument map with guiding question, thesis, supporting and opposing reasons, evidence, evidence gap, and decision rationale.Make arguments visible as a testable structureA central thesis is connected with pro, contra, evidence, and open evidence gaps.Guiding questionWhat is at stake?Argument Mapconnect thesis, reasons, and evidenceRationaleWhat holds?Questiondecidable questionMain thesisclarify positionsupportscontradictsThesisclear claimProsupporting reasonEvidencesource or dataContracounterargumentCounterevidencecheck uncertaintyEvidence gapevidence missingStrong reasonsrobustObjectionscheckRationalereasoning

Flow

  1. 1Frame the central question
  2. 2Record the main claim
  3. 3Collect pro and con arguments
  4. 4Add evidence
  5. 5Mark weak spots

The runsheet guides execution with 5 phases, timeboxes, 5 pitfalls, and clear stop criteria.

Open runsheet

Ideal for

  • Strategy Debates
  • Policy Decisions
  • Research Synthesis

Not good for

  • Quick ideation
  • Emotional conflict facilitation

Deep dive

In detail

Argument Mapping follows a clear working logic: frame the central question, record the main claim, collect pro and con arguments, add evidence, and mark weak spots. This turns the method into a visible thinking process rather than only a conversation. Participants move step by step from raw material, observations, or options toward a shared structure. The result is an Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, and Decision Rationale that make decisions, learning, or further planning actionable.

Facilitation

Prepare a clear guiding question, the right information, and a visible workspace. Plan about 1-3 h with 1-8 people and use the format either in a workshop or asynchronously. The facilitation needs noticeable structure and preparation; short timeboxes, visible intermediate results, and a parking lot for open questions help.

Output artifacts
Argument MapEvidence GapsDecision Rationale
Tags
sensemakingdecisionevidence

Sources

Argument Mapping - Reasoninglabreasoninglab.com
Artifact templates
Argument Mapping Working TemplateCompact working template for Argument Mapping with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.
canvas

argument-mapping-working-template.md

Compact working template for Argument Mapping with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.

Argument Mapping Canvas

Context

What is this method used for?

Core question

Which question should be answered at the end?

Input

Which data, observations, or materials are available?

Working area

  • Area 1:
  • Area 2:
  • Area 3:
  • Relationships / patterns:

Output artifacts

  • Argument Map:
  • Evidence Gaps:
  • Decision Rationale:

Open questions

  • ...

Next step

Owner, date, success signal.

When to choose differently

Short decision aid for existing alternatives.

IBIS

Statt Argument Mapping, wenn ihr Argumente und Entscheidungsgründe strukturiert verknüpfen wollt.

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