6. Mindmap & Structure of Research
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6.1 Mindmap
A mind map is a visual representation of concepts and their relationships, grouped around a central theme or topic. The representation looks like a tree structure or diagram, consisting of keywords (instead of sentences or texts), sometimes images or icons and often with different colours for different sub-topics. A mind map can be created on paper or digitally with special mind map software. Hyperlinks can be added to a digital mind map.
Making a mind map is a way of noting ideas, knowledge and/or questions; it is a method of schematic brainstorming on a certain topic.
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How do you make a mind map?
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write down the central theme or research question in the middle of a sheet of paper or in the diagram
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think of related topics and note them around the central theme with a connecting line
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link sub topics to each of those topics, etcetera
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use lines to make connections between the various concepts
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use keywords, colours and/or images to keep a clear overview
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Example
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Why ‘mindmapping’
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generate ideas
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brainstorm what you already know about a topic
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structure information
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make connections
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gain insight into relevant issues
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organizing thoughts and ideas
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get an overview of complex information (see 'the bigger picture')
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support creative thinking processes
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associate more easily
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coming up with solutions
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better retention of (complex) information
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better understanding of (complex) information
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focus on the most important points (summarize differently)
6.2 Structure of Research
Mindmap and research
Creating a mind map can be useful in mapping the current research field, determining your research topic, choosing your research question and sub-questions and/or organizing your research material. You can create mind maps at each stage of your preliminary research.
You can, for instance, create a mind map with your research question as the central point, focused on finding relevant sub-questions. You can then translate your mindmap about the research question to a structure plan. The mindmap then forms the basis of the structure of your research:
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Structure Plan Research (research question and sub-questions, conclusion)
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Research Question:
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Sub-question 1: Sub-question 2: Sub-question 3:
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Paragraph 1.1 Paragraph 2.1 Paragraph 3.1
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Paragraph 1.2 Paragraph 2.2 Paragraph 3.2
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Answer/Conclusion:
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You can also use a mind map to find points to substantiate your argumentation. Then, the central point of the mind map is your research statement. The argumentations found can be placed in an argumentation structure.
The structure plan and the argumentation structure form the framework of your research/argumentation.
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