Dr. McGinnis

Evaluating Concept Maps

A learner at an early stage of understanding may:

1. Not hold any version of the concept.

E.g., "What is the Periodic Table? I have no idea."

2. Hold a version of the concept that is flawed in its intensive properties by being overly inclusive.

E.g., "Heat and temperature are synonomous."

3. Hold a version of the concept that is flawed in its intensive properties by being overly differientiated.

E.g., "Water boils at 100 C. Therefore, all liquids boil at 100 C."

4. Hold a version of the concept that is limited because it lacks sufficient connections to other concepts.

E.g., "Heat is a form of energy. However, heat is not related to the energy of light."

5. Hold a version of the concept that is faulty because it makes inaccurate connections to other concepts.

E.g., "Heat is a form of energy. Heat is a form of gravity."

A learner at any age may also:

6. Hold a conception that is consistent with the standard scientific conception.