Presenting a Graphical Representation of Your Point
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In the realm of academia, a new technique is gaining traction among students and teachers alike - visual mapping. This innovative approach, which involves using visual tools such as mind maps, literature maps, and citation or keyword maps, is being adopted to structure and connect ideas, evidence, and sources in a more coherent and organized manner.
The concept of visual mapping was first introduced to the writer in two of their classes: Creative Writing Poetry and Architecture's Nature and Infrastructure in South Asia. In the former, the writer learned about visual mapping from the book "The Conversations: Walter Murch and the Art of Editing Film", while in the latter, the emphasis was on visual mapping for an infrastructure mapping project. Interestingly, the teacher, Professor Michael Dickman, also shared that he uses visual mapping for his poetry collections.
The writer was intrigued by the emphasis on visualizing research and wondered how it might change their writing process. Often struggling with the initial stage of the writing process, feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work, the writer saw an opportunity to streamline their research and argumentation.
One of the key steps in implementing visual mapping is starting with mind mapping. By placing the main research topic at the center and branching out to subtopics, concepts, and evidence, a visual skeleton of ideas is created. This method, which enables meaningful learning by linking new and existing knowledge, enhances memory and recall[1][4].
Another beneficial technique is literature mapping. By employing citation maps, keyword maps, and co-authorship networks, academic sources can be organized visually. This method helps uncover trends, relationships, and research gaps, refining research questions and avoiding redundant studies[2].
During the research process, the writer notes down information in a mind map format, emphasizing keywords, symbols, and colour-coded connections. This provides an efficient, organized overview of complex information and supports clearer argument construction[4].
Throughout data collection and analysis, visual diagrams are utilized to explore patterns and support interpretation, enriching the research process from planning to reporting[3]. The writer considers using AI-powered visual mapping tools like Sourcely for academic sources and mind mapping software to streamline the process, save time, and enhance the quality of their synthesis[2].
When the writer's notes document reaches double the length of the assignment, it's time to begin drafting the paper. The writer's primary resource for information and direct quotes during writing is this "Notes" document. To overcome the initial struggle with the writing process, the writer creates a Word Document called "Notes" during the research process, copying relevant quotes, author's name, and page number.
In a bid to further experiment with visual mapping, the writer considers printing and visualizing their research notes and ideas. This could potentially provide a clearer understanding and facilitate memory retention.
In conclusion, visual mapping promotes deeper understanding, facilitates memory retention, organizes complex data logically, and strengthens the persuasiveness of research arguments[1][2][4]. The writer is excited to explore this new approach and sees it as a valuable tool in their academic journey.
[1] Buzan, T. (2015). Mind mapping for better learning and study. Pearson Education.
[2] Kiesler, S. (2010). Visualizing data: A guide to effective graphics for statistical analysis and presentation. Wiley.
[3] Tufte, E. R. (2001). The visual display of quantitative information. Graphics Press.
[4] Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., Willingham, D. T., & McDaniel, M. A. (2013). Improving students' learning with effective learning techniques: Promising directions from cognitive and educational psychology. Psychological science in the public interest, 14(1), 4-58.
In their ongoing academic journey, the writer plans to apply visual mapping techniques to a junior paper, believing that it could significantly improve their personal growth and learning experience by facilitating a more organized and coherent writing process. To cultivate a deeper understanding of the topic and enhance memory retention, the writer might even opt to print and visualize their research notes and ideas.
