Knowledge Modeling Mapping tool

Concept Mapping

Concept mapping makes knowledge visible as testable propositions built from concepts and named relationships.

A Concept Map answers a focus question with hierarchically arranged concepts. Labelled links form readable propositions, while cross-links reveal relationships between knowledge domains.

Core question

Which concepts and propositions answer our focus question?

Plan Method guide

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Participants: 1-8 participants
Time: 60–120 minutes

Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links

Focus
Refine the focus question
Set the question that the map must answer.
Concepts
Collect key concepts
Collect relevant concepts as short labels and order them by generality.
Hierarchy
Build the hierarchy
Place broad concepts above more specific concepts.
Propositions
Write propositions
Connect concepts with linking phrases to create readable, testable claims.
Cross-links
Test cross-links
Add defensible relationships between branches and revise the map.

Place new learning in the hierarchy, test propositions and restructure the map repeatedly.

A good fit when

For shared vocabulary, knowledge synthesis and exposing gaps in understanding within a bounded domain.

Ideal for

Knowledge Modeling
Research Synthesis
Learning Design

Not good for

Prioritization without criteria
Linear process modeling

Outputs

Concept Map
Hierarchical concepts connected by labelled propositions and meaningful cross-links.
Knowledge gaps
Marked unclear terms, contested relationships and open sub-questions.

Concept Map · Worksheet

Fictional example

The worksheet separates focus, concepts, propositions, cross-links and revision.

Focus question

What open question should the map answer, in what context?

How is a reliable course-booking confirmation produced?

Concepts

Which 15 to 25 terms are central, and which are more general or specific?

Booking request, participation rules, capacity, reservation, confirmation.

Propositions

Which concepts connect through what linking phrase to form a meaningful statement?

Booking request is checked against participation rules.

Cross-links

Which relationship across branches adds explanatory meaning?

Corporate seat limit constrains capacity.

Revision

Which propositions are uncertain, redundant or open? Which source or person can resolve them?

Expiry of unpaid reservations is open; Operations resolves by Friday.

The document describes the parts; build the map spatially with directed, labelled edges.

Novak & Cañas: Theory Underlying Concept Maps

First step

Write a focus question that defines the purpose and boundary of the map.

Open the method guide

Where to go next?

Knowledge Modeling

Knowledge Mapping

Links the revised concept map into the overarching knowledge map.

Domain Modeling

Domain Context Map

Carries the clarified terms and relations into domain-specific model boundaries.

Deep dive

Purpose

Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly.

How it works

First, central concepts are collected and sorted hierarchically or thematically. The team then connects them with labeled relationships until a readable network of meaning emerges. In the end, the concept structure and open gaps stand out more clearly.

In detail

Concept Mapping earns its value because relationships between terms are made explicit, so gaps in understanding surface faster. The method becomes substantial when connecting statements are phrased precisely and central concepts are checked not just as nodes but as part of a network of meaning. Good use pays attention to hierarchy, counterexamples, and linguistic consistency, so the picture organizes thinking instead of just laying keywords side by side.

Facilitation

Before starting, collect only the few core terms that truly carry the question at hand, and add peripheral topics only later. The tricky point lies with unclear connecting statements; these need sharpening until every edge makes a defensible claim. Close with a brief pass over the strongest relationships and keep open term definitions recorded separately.

The method guide walks execution through 5 phases, timing, 5 pitfalls, and clear stop criteria.

Open method guide

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Sources and topics

Topics

Knowledge Concepts Mapping Sensemaking

Sources

The Theory Underlying Concept Maps and How to Construct and Use Themcmap.ihmc.usPrimary-adjacent IHMC reference by Novak and Cañas on focus questions, hierarchy, propositions and cross-links.Constructing Your First Concept Mapcmap.ihmc.usIHMC guidance on the concept parking lot and iterative construction.

In playbooks

Prepare Knowledge ModelingMove from a knowledge domain to questions, concept model, schema, and validation rules.

Artifact templates

Concept Mapping: WorksheetWrite a focus question that defines the purpose and boundary of the map.

markdown

concept-mapping-working-template.md

Write a focus question that defines the purpose and boundary of the map.

Concept Mapping: Worksheet

Question

To be confirmed

Desired outcome

To be confirmed

Scope

Complete workflow Time: 60–120 minutes

Complete this worksheet on paper or in your own document during the work.

Preparation for this scope

Method setup

Materials: Large workspace, focus question, source material, concept cards and markers for linking phrases.
Roles: People with domain knowledge, a facilitator and a documentation owner.
Advance information: Focus question, context and reliable sources or observations.
Overall time needed: 60–120 minutes
Setup: Prepare the workspace from general to specific and a parking area for unconnected concepts.