Concept Mapping: A Dynamic, Individualized and Qualitative Method for Eliciting Meaning

Area of Science:

• Qualitative Research Methods
• Multimodal Communication
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Traditional concept mapping often focuses on quantitative analysis.
• There is a need for research methods that incorporate humanistic and artistic elements.
• Understanding individual interpretation and learning processes is crucial in qualitative research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore concept mapping as a qualitative research method.
• To propose a framework for concept mapping as multimodal communication.
• To integrate art and human elements into concept mapping.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical exploration of concept mapping.
• Development of a framework for qualitative concept mapping.
• Identification of three key categories for understanding concept maps: Voice, Detail in the Parts & Recognition of the Whole, and Sensory Experience.

Main Results:

• Concept mapping can serve as a form of multimodal communication in qualitative research.
• The proposed framework highlights how people learn, understand, and interpret their world.
• Three interconnected categories (Voice, Detail/Whole, Sensory Experience) guide the creation and interpretation of qualitative concept maps.

Conclusions:

• Qualitative concept mapping offers a unique way to represent and interact with visual data.
• Integrating art and human elements enriches the understanding of participant perspectives.
• This method provides a dialectical and interactive approach for participants, researchers, and audiences.