A concept map is a graphical representation of a domain of knowledge. Using circles, boxes, lines, and sometimes notes, the concept map helps explore current knowledge on a topic and show relationships between ideas about a broad topic area.
A good concept map can help you find new and interesting directions for a topic of interest. In the example above, you can combine different elements of the concept map to generate a research question like "What positioning strategies on hard courts are most effective for winning the Australian Open and the US Open?"
Keep in mind that a concept map should be more than a list of facts or trivia. Here's an example that's fun to look at, but would it really help you come up with a research question about the solar system?
In this lesson, we're going to use the example topic of mass transportation systems. Create your own concept map that includes what you know and what you'd like to find out about mass transportation. You can use the template below, create your own template, or sketch it out on a piece of paper.
