Concept Map: Plan Your Research | University Libraries

How to Make a Visual Concept Map

Step 1

Begin by putting your topic in a center bubble.

Step 2

Then, branch off of your main point to other connected sections. One way to organize this is to divide sections by things you know, things you do not know, key terms, and questions you have.

Step 3

Continue to branch off from your bubbles and add connected thoughts. Branch off from these as much as you are able to make your map complete!

Sample Visual Concept Map

A student who has worked in ice cream shops before and is very familiar with the steps of making ice cream is interested in doing a research project on ice cream businesses and made this visual concept map to brainstorm.

How to Make a Word-Based Concept Map

Step 1

Write your topic at the top of the page.

Step 2

Then, list out other connected sections of your concept map as outline headers. One way to organize this is to divide sections by things you know, things you do not know, key terms, and questions you have.

Step 3

Underneath each header of your outline, add more connected thoughts. Branch off from these as much as you are able to make your map complete!

Sample Word-Based Concept Map

Ice Cream Shops

I. Things I Know
- A. Big chains
- B. Production process
II. Things I Don't Know
- A. Chemistry
- B. Ice cream trucks
- C. Pricing factors
  1. Seasonal supply & demand
  2. Small business success
III. Questions Related to My Topic
- A. Ice cream health impacts?
- B. What influences people to go out for ice cream?
- C. How do ice cream alternatives impact shops?
  1. Dairy-free ice creams
  2. Mochi
IV. Key Terms
- A. Market
- B. Consumer
- C. Competitive advantage
- D. Dessert