Concept Mapping is a process that enables a group to lay out ideas on any topic in a picture or map. The Concept Mapping process is . . .

Participant-oriented: It allows all of the participants to have a say in the final product.

Inductive (bottom-up): It begins with very specific brainstormed ideas and moves to more general concepts. It starts with everyday, concrete ideas that people are familiar with and moves gradually to more general abstract ideas.

Structured: It has a definite beginning, middle, and end--it won't let a group get tied up in endless meetings or discussions.

Simple and intuitive: It only requires that participants be able to brainstorm, sort, and rate--all fairly common, familiar activities.

Visual: The final result is pictorial, easily presented, and easily understood.