3 Differences Between Concept Maps And Mind Maps

A Mind map is a great tool for storing ideas. It is often used in business meetings, seminars and even in classrooms where one or more people express their ideas. When made by a mind mapping software, it can be effectively used where more than one person is sharing views on a topic. By using mind mapping software, learning the process can be increased effectively. On the other hand, concept maps are basically graphical tools. They are used for showing diagrams in an organized manner that represents knowledge.

• Both mind maps and concept maps are similar, in the relationship of ideas. There are a large number of   items that are found on concept  maps , those are linked to each other , but in mind maps , it focused in a single topic, which is the centre topic, and the other item are linked to the centre topic .
• Concept maps works like a brain where you can store a lot of different ideas and then connect a relation between them. You can easily switch over from one idea to another in case of concept maps. But with mind maps, there is a central idea or topic, and based on that, you can build up several main ideas which in turn can become center topics for some more main ideas.
• Concept maps contain theories and notions. They are noted between boxes and circles that are connected with arrows. While creating a concept map, you first need to gather the list of important concepts and information that can be added. Then you can try to find the relation between these associated concepts and information. In a mind map, you need to place your key word anywhere on the page, and then branch it out with information that is related to the central topic.
• Concept maps are more clustered as you start with various ideas and then find relation between them. But with mind maps, they take up the shape of tree of branches as you start with a central idea and then branch out from there.

So you see there are some difference between concepts maps and mind maps. The next time you need them, be sure to first understand your need and then choose your map accordingly.