Guidelines

Cognitive mapping

1. Attempt to construct your map on one sheet of A4 so that links can be made.
2. Start mapping about two-thirds of the way up the paper in the middle and try to keep concepts in small rectangles of text rather than as continuous lines.
3. Separate the sentences into phrases.
4. Build up a hierarchy.
5. Watch out for goals as the discussion unfolds and for potential strategic issues.
6. Hold on to opposite poles for additional clarification.
7. Add meaning to concepts by placing them in the imperative form; include actors and actions if possible.
8. Retain ownership by not abbreviating words and phrases used by the problem owner.
9. Identify the option and outcome within each pair of concepts.
10. Ensure that a generic concept is superordinate to specific items that contribute to it.
11. Code the first pole as that which the problem owner sees as the primary idea.
12. Tidying up can provide a more complete understanding of the problem.

<< back to checklists and guidelines