A theoretical note on concepts and the need for Cyclic Concept Maps

TLDR

Cyclic Concept Maps are suited for representing functional or dynamical relationships, whereas traditional Concept Maps capture hierarchical or static knowledge. The article develops Cyclic Concept Maps to address the need for representing functional or dynamical relationships in knowledge. The authors theoretically analyze concepts and propositions to design and extend Concept Maps into Cyclic Concept Maps. The two map types complement each other, collectively capturing a larger domain of knowledge and forming a more effective knowledge representation tool. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Abstract

This article examines concepts and propositions from a theoretical perspective, and establishes the need for and develops an extension to Concept Maps (CMaps), called Cyclic Concept Maps (Cyclic CMaps). Cyclic CMaps are considered to be an appropriate tool for representing knowledge of functional or dynamical relationships between concepts. CMaps, on the other hand, are viewed as an appropriate tool for representing hierarchic or static knowledge. The two maps complement each other and collectively capture a larger domain of knowledge, thus forming a more effective knowledge representation tool. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 42: 741–766, 2005