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Many people use note cards to help them memorize information when studying for an exam. The reasoning behind using note cards is that it allows for the organizing of information into a format that can be quickly processed and recalled. While it is true that information on note cards is easier to memorize than information in a textbook, there are also more effective means for enhancing memorization. Mind Mapping is one such effective way, because it allows the learner to make use of colors, visual images, words, and symbols to “map” out concepts on paper. The process of mapping out ideas, rather than listing them on note cards, is thought to allow the brain to process information in a manner that more naturally facilitates recall.

How to Organize Information for an Exam Using a Mind Map

Consider, as an example, a learner who is trying to memorize vocabulary words for an anatomy test. When using a Mind Map to organize information for memorization, the overall subject matter to be memorized, such as “Anatomy Vocabulary Words” should be represented by a central image located in the center of the map. Here, the learner may use a graphical image of a textbook to represent the anatomy textbook where the vocabulary words are found. Next, the main categories the vocabulary words fall under should be shown on the “branches” that are attached to the central topic. Thus, the learner might label the “branches” “parts of the heart”, “parts of the brain”, and so on. On these branches, the learner can continue to add colors and images that he or she associates with each label, such as red for the “parts of the heart” branch. The vocabulary words to be memorized should then be attached to the “branches” with “child branches”. Again, the learner should use imagery and color associated with each of the words. Lastly, the actual definitions of each word should be attached to word via the “siblings” of the Mind Map, along with any further colors or images the learner wishes. The attached Mind Map is an example of a diagram that might be used to memorize words for an anatomy exam, organized in the manner described above.

Exam Memorization Using the Mind Map

In the attached Mind Map diagram, the vocabulary words, definitions, and the categories to which they belong, are spread spatially across the page. Moreover, the Mind Map includes not only text, but images, colors, and graphics as well. This diagram can be contrasted with listing the same vocabulary words on standard note cards, where only text is used. The learner, when putting together their own Mind Map, would use the graphics and images that he or she associates with each of the vocabulary words, giving him or her many points of visual reference when memorizing the word. By allowing the author to visualize and learn the vocabulary words in this manner, the Mind Map provides him or her with a more intuitive form a memorization.

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No matter what the topic, clearly outlining the themes and ideas one intends to cover is an important first step when writing a research paper. Mind Mapping is an effective way to create such an outline, because it allows the writer to creatively organize information around a central topic or idea. With Mind Mapping, the writer makes use of colors, visual images, words, and symbols to “map” out his or her thoughts on paper. This process of mapping out ideas, rather than listing them in a traditional outline format, is thought to allow the brain to process information in a manner more consistent with its natural functioning.

How To Create A Mind Map?

Mind Maps consist firstly of a main idea, which is represented by a central image, and is located in the center of the map. Next, the themes surrounding the main idea are presented by “branches”, which are attached to the central image, and on which are listed significant words or images relating to the main topic. Lastly, the topics least important to the main idea are shown on “twigs” that are attached the “branches”. ¹ In putting together the Mind Map, the writer can use whatever images, words, or symbols he or she wishes in order to “map” out the themes and ideas for his or her topic.

A Traditional Outline vs. A Mind Map of a Research Topic

In a traditional outline for a research paper, the main themes of the paper are listed linearly, using a numerical format. Most often, this list begins with the introduction as the first point, ends with the conclusion as the last point, and lists all subtopics, along with supporting evidence, in the points in between. Thus, this type of outline usually looks as follows:

I.Introduction

Background

1. History of Topic
2. Current Research on Topic

Thesis

II.First Subtopic

Point One

1. Point One Evidence
2. Point One Evidence

Point Two

1. Point Two Evidence
2. Point Two Evidence

III.Second Subtopic

Point One

1. Point One Evidence
2. Point One Evidence

Point Two

1. Point Two Evidence
2. Point Two Evidence

IV.Third Subtopic

Point One

1. Point One Evidence
2. Point One Evidence

Point Two

1. Point Two Evidence
2. Point Two Evidence

V.Conclusion

This outline can be contrasted with a Mind Map of the same research topic, represented in the attached “Mind Map Research” diagram. In the Mind Map diagram, the Introduction, Conclusion, and Subtopic headings are presented spatially, and are spread across the page. Moreover, while the traditional outline includes only text, the Mind Map incorporates not only text, but images, colors, and graphics as well. The result is a more visually stimulating diagram of the main points and ideas of the paper, making them easier to conceptualize.

Mind Mapping as a Basis for More Intuitive Research Writing

Both the traditional outline and the Mind Map can be used as basis for writing a good research paper. However, a Mind Map engages the writer’s brain in a more creative manner, and allows him or her to lay out the basis for the paper as seen in the mind’s eye. Images that come to the writer’s mind, colors associated with certain themes, and graphics exemplifying key thoughts, are all laid out in map fashion for, and by, the writer. By allowing the writer to visualize his or her topic in this manner, the Mind Map makes organizing the flow of the paper much more intuitive.

1. Source: http://www.mindmapping.com/Theory_Behind_Mind_Maps.htm

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