Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Using Learning Outcome Measures to assess Doctoral Nursing Education
Published on: June 21, 2010
The Effect of Concept Maps on Undergraduate Nursing Students' Critical Thinking
Janet K Garwood1, Azza H Ahmed, Sara A McComb
1About the Authors: Janet K. Garwood, DNP, MSN (Ed), CNE, is an assistant professor, College of Nursing, Purdue University Northwest, Westville, Indiana. Azza Ahmed, DNSc, RN, IBCLC, CPNP, is an associate professor, School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. Sara McComb, PhD, PE, is a professor with a joint appointment in the School of Nursing and the School of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. For more information, contact Dr. Garwood at jgarwo07@pnw.edu.
Aim:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of using concept maps as a teaching and learning strategy on students' critical thinking abilities and examine students' perceptions toward concept maps utilizing the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.
Background:
Researchers have found that almost two thirds of nurse graduates do not have adequate critical thinking skills for a beginner nurse. Critical thinking skills are required for safe practice and mandated by accrediting organizations. Nursing educators should consider teaching and learning strategies that promote the development of critical thinking skills.
Method:
A literature review was conducted using "concept maps, nursing education, and critical thinking" as the combined search terms. Inclusion criteria were studies that measured the effects of concept mapping on critical thinking in nursing students.
Results:
Seventeen articles were identified.
Conclusion:
Concept maps may be useful tools to promote critical thinking in nursing education and for applying theory to practice.
Related Concept Videos
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching I: Assessment and Diagnosis
It is critical to determine the patient's learning needs during the assessment. Determination of learning needs compounds data from the...
Patient-centered Care
Critical Thinking I
Critical Thinking II
Fundamentals of Nursing Process I
Fundamentals of Nursing Process II