Information Research Skills Mind Mapping By the end of this module you will be able to: Understand the mind map as a way of organising ideas Make a mind map in conjunction with an assignment Create search terms to use in finding information

Idea Information Research Skills Mind Mapping

When we are presented with an assignment we do not immediately understand what it means. We do not think in linear terms – ideas jump out at us. Initially we tend to brainstorm Mind mapping is a way of capturing and developing these random ideas

Information Research Skills Mind Mapping Consider the following essay title: “What evidence is there of the use of racial stereotypes in the mass media and to what extent do such stereotypes influence social attitudes towards ethnic minorities?” What does it mean? How will we get the information to write it? As we read through the title random ideas probably begin to form.

Examples of stereotypes Examples of stereotypes Ethnic minorities Social attitudes Media Bias Information Research Skills Mind Mapping

Once you have started to have ideas, more will follow. Ideas will generate others. The mind map is a method for capturing these ideas. It is important to note that you should have done your background reading first. Read the relevant chapters from the reading list your tutor has given you. If you don’t do the reading you will inevitably have fewer ideas. Tip

Information Research Skills Mind mapping Creating the Mind Map Take your essay title and decide what is the key idea. “What evidence is there of the use of racial stereotypes in the mass media and to what extent do such stereotypes influence social attitudes towards ethnic minorities?” This idea is the central point in your mind map. racial stereotypes in the mass media

Information Research Skills Mind mapping Now consider what points come from this central idea First look at your essay title for other important points. On your mind map note your first thought, your second thought and so on. Tip racial stereotypes in the mass media Social attitudes Ethnic minorities Examples of stereotypes Media bias

Information Research Skills Mind Mapping Once you have established your main points, further secondary ideas will come. Add these to your mind map. racial stereotypes in the mass media Media bias Examples of stereotypes Illegal immigration terrorism State Benefits ethnocentricity ownership

The mind map will change as you research the subject. It can get bigger, or shrink. The mind map is your individual map of your ideas: there is no right or wrong approach You can come back to it later and change it as you want. Information Research Skills Mind Mapping

Putting down your ideas in a visual form such as a mind map is a very useful way to structure your thinking and gives a useful guide to the areas you need to research. Information Research Skills Mind Mapping Main Idea

Now take your own assignment and create a mind map for yourself. If you wish, you can share this with your fellow learners, your tutor or your subject librarian. Information Research Skills Mind Mapping

Now you have begun to develop your ideas about what your assignment will be, you also know what information you need to look for. The ideas you have put on your mind map will form the basis for the search terms you will use when you look for information on the library catalogue, a search engine or a database. We will explore searching for information in the next module. Information Research Skills Mind Mapping