- used in various disciplines: finance, economics, marketing, executive education, optometry, fine art and design, advertising and public relations
- "…free-form and unconstrained structure"
- unlimited ideas and links can be made 
- no need "…to retain an ideal structure or format"
- promotes creative thinking and brainstorming 

Syracuse University

- also known as idea mapping, association maps
"…allows students to imagine and explore associations between concepts"
- "…has been defined as 'visual, non-linear representations of ideas and their relationships'"
- a network of connected and related concepts; any idea can be connected to another 
- free-form, spontaneous thinking is required 
- the aim: to find creative associations between ideas 

Mind Mapping 

Davies, M. (2011). Concept mapping, mind mapping and argument mapping: what are the differences and do they matter?. Higher education, 62(3), 279-301.

Concept mapping, mind mapping and argument mapping: what are the differences and do they matter?

- thought to begin with Buzan (1974)
- use "…line thickness, colors, pictures, and diagrams to aid knowledge recollection"

Recommendations made by Buzan when creating mind maps

"1- Place an image or topic in the center using at least 3 colors

2- Use images, symbols, codes, and dimensions throughout your Mind Map.

3- Select keywords and print using upper or lower case letters.

4- Each word/image is alone and sitting on its own line.

5- Connect the lines starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker,
organic and flowing, becoming thinner as they radiate out from the center.

6- Make the lines the same length as the word/image.

7- Use colors—your own code—throughout the Mind Map.

8- Develop your own personal style of Mind Mapping.

9- Use emphasis and show associations in your Mind Map.

10- Keep the Mind Map clear by using radial hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches."

Mind-Mapping Techniques

Advantages of Mind Mapping

- "…types of links being made are limited to simple associations"
- constrained by absence of clear links between ideas 
- difficult for others to read 
- only represent hierarchical relationships 
- inconsistent level of detail 
- "...often too complex and missing the 'big picture'" 
- "…limited in dealing with more complex relationships"
- unuseful "...for a purpose that requires an understanding of how one concept is essential to understanding another"

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