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[[Image:Six_degrees_of_separation_1.jpg|right]]

[[Image:Six_degrees_of_separation_1.jpg|right]]

A '''mind map''' is a [[diagram]] used to represent [[words]], [[idea]]s, tasks or other items linked to and arranged radially around a central key word or idea. It is used to [[generation|generate]], [[visualization (graphic)|visualize]], [[structure]] and [[taxonomic classification|classify]] ideas, and as an aid in [[study skills|study]], [[organization]], [[problem solving]],  [[decision making]], and writing.

A '''mind map''' is a diagram used to represent [[words]], [[idea]]s, tasks or other items linked to and arranged radially around a central key word or idea. It is used to generate, [[visualize]], [[structure]] and classify ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving,  [[decision]] making, and writing.

It is an image-centered diagram that represents [[semantic]] or other connections between portions of information. By presenting these connections in a radial, non-linear graphical manner, it encourages a [[brainstorming]] approach to any given organizational task, eliminating the hurdle of initially establishing an intrinsically appropriate or relevant conceptual framework to work within.

It is an image-centered diagram that represents [[semantic]] or other connections between portions of [[information]]. By presenting these connections in a radial, non-linear graphical [[manner]], it encourages a brainstorming approach to any given organizational task, eliminating the hurdle of initially establishing an intrinsically appropriate or relevant [[concept]]ual framework to work within.

A mind map is similar to a [[semantic network]] or [[cognitive map]] but there are no formal restrictions on the kinds of links used.

A mind map is similar to a semantic network or [[cognitive]] map but there are no formal restrictions on the kinds of links used.

The elements are arranged intuitively according to the importance of the concepts and they are organized into groupings, branches, or areas.  The uniform graphic formulation of the semantic structure of information on the method of gathering [[knowledge]], may aid recall of existing [[memory|memories]].

The elements are arranged [[intuitive]]ly according to the importance of the concepts and they are organized into [[group]]ings, branches, or areas.  The uniform graphic formulation of the semantic structure of information on the method of gathering [[knowledge]], may aid recall of existing [[memory|memories]].

==Origins==

==Origins==

Mind maps (or similar concepts) have been used for centuries, for learning, [[brainstorming]], memory, [[visual thinking]], and [[problem solving]] by educators, engineers, psychologists and people in general.  Some of the earliest examples of mind maps were developed by [[Porphyry of Tyros]], a noted thinker of the [[3rd century]] as he graphically visualised the concept categories of [[Aristotle]].  [[Ramon Llull]] also used these structures of the mind map form.   

Mind maps (or similar concepts) have been used for centuries, for learning, brainstorming, [[memory]], visual [[thinking]], and problem solving by educators, engineers, psychologists and people in general.  Some of the earliest examples of mind maps were developed by [[Porphyry of Tyros]], a noted thinker of the 3rd century as he graphically visualised the concept categories of [[Aristotle]].  [[Ramon Llull]] also used these structures of the mind map form.   

The [[semantic network]] was developed as a theory to understand human learning, and developed into mind maps by [[Dr Allan Collins]], and the noted researcher [[M. Ross Quillian]] during the early [[1960s]].  As such, due to his commitment and published research, and his work with learning, creativity, and graphical thinking, [[Dr Allan Collins]] can be considered the father of the modern mind map.

The semantic network was developed as a theory to understand [[human]] learning, and developed into mind maps by Dr Allan Collins, and the noted researcher M. Ross Quillian during the early 1960s.  As such, due to his commitment and published [[research]], and his work with learning, [[creativity]], and graphical thinking, Dr Allan Collins can be considered the father of the modern mind map.

People have been using image-centered radial graphic organization techniques referred to variably as mental or generic mind maps for centuries in areas such as engineering, psychology, and education, although the claim to the origin of the mind map has been made by a [[United Kingdom|British]] [[popular psychology]] author, [[Tony Buzan]]. He claimed the idea was inspired by [[Alfred Korzybski]]'s [[general semantics]] as popularized in science fiction novels, such as those of [[Robert A. Heinlein]] and [[A. E. van Vogt]]. He argues that 'traditional' outlines rely on the reader to scan left to right and top to bottom, whilst what actually happens is that the brain will scan the entire page in a non-linear fashion.  He also uses popular assumptions about the [[cerebral hemispheres]] in order to promote the exclusive use of mind mapping over other forms of note making.

People have been using image-centered radial graphic organization techniques referred to variably as mental or generic mind maps for centuries in areas such as engineering, psychology, and education, although the claim to the origin of the mind map has been made by a British popular [[psychology]] author, Tony Buzan. He claimed the idea was inspired by Alfred Korzybski's general semantics as popularized in science fiction [[novel]]s, such as those of [[Robert A. Heinlein]] and [[A. E. van Vogt]]. He argues that '[[tradition]]al' outlines rely on the reader to scan left to right and top to bottom, whilst what actually happens is that the brain will scan the entire page in a non-linear fashion.  He also uses popular assumptions about the [[cerebral hemispheres]] in order to promote the exclusive use of mind mapping over other forms of note making.

The mind map continues to be used in various forms, and for various applications including learning and education (where it is often taught as 'Webs' or 'Webbing'), planning and in engineering diagramming.

The mind map continues to be used in various forms, and for various applications including learning and education (where it is often taught as 'Webs' or 'Webbing'), planning and in engineering diagramming.

When compared with the earlier original [[concept map]] (which was developed by learning experts in the [[1960s]]) the structure of a mind map is a similar, but simplified, radial by having one central key word.

When compared with the earlier original [[concept]] map (which was developed by learning experts in the 1960s) the structure of a mind map is a similar, but simplified, radial by having one central key word.

==Uses of mind maps==

==Uses of mind maps==

Mind maps have many applications in personal, family, [[education]]al, and [[business]] situations, including [[notetaking]], [[brainstorming]] (wherein ideas are inserted into the map radially around the center node, without the implicit prioritization that comes from hierarchy or sequential arrangements, and wherein grouping and organizing is reserved for later stages), summarizing, revising and general clarifying of [[thought]]s. For example, one could listen to a lecture and take down notes using mind maps for the most important points or keywords. One can also use mind maps as a [[mnemonic techniques|mnemonic technique]] or to sort out a complicated idea. Mind maps are also promoted as a way to collaborate in colour pen creativity sessions.

Mind maps have many applications in personal, family, [[education]]al, and [[business]] situations, including notetaking, brainstorming (wherein ideas are inserted into the map radially around the center node, without the implicit prioritization that comes from hierarchy or sequential arrangements, and wherein grouping and organizing is reserved for later stages), summarizing, revising and general clarifying of [[thought]]s. For example, one could listen to a lecture and take down notes using mind maps for the most important points or keywords. One can also use mind maps as a mnemonic technique or to sort out a complicated idea. Mind maps are also promoted as a way to collaborate in colour pen creativity sessions.

Some of the literature {{Fact|date=June 2007}} around mind-mapping has made claims that one can find the perfect lover, combat bullying, persuade clients, develop intuitive powers, create global harmony, and tap the deeper levels of consciousness by using mind map techniques.

Some of the literature around mind-mapping has made claims that one can find the perfect lover, combat bullying, persuade clients, develop [[intuitive]] [[power]]s, create global harmony, and tap the deeper levels of [[consciousness]] by using mind map techniques.

Software and technique research have concluded that managers and students  find the techniques of mind mapping to be useful, being better able to retain information and ideas than by using traditional 'linear' note taking methods.   

Software and technique research have concluded that managers and students  find the techniques of mind mapping to be useful, being better able to retain information and ideas than by using traditional 'linear' note taking methods.   

Mindmaps can be drawn by hand, either as 'rough notes', for example, during a lecture or meeting, or can be more sophisticated in quality. Examples of both are illustrated. There are also a number of [[software]] packages available for producing mind maps (see below).

Mindmaps can be drawn by hand, either as 'rough notes', for example, during a lecture or meeting, or can be more sophisticated in quality. There are also a number of software packages available for producing mind maps.

The best-selling fiction paperback (August 2007) in the UK , "[[The Naming of the Dead]]" by [[Ian Rankin]], features a detective, [[Inspector Rebus]] who uses mind maps to solve crimes.

The best-selling fiction paperback (August 2007) in the UK , "The Naming of the Dead" by Ian Rankin, features a detective, Inspector Rebus who uses mind maps to solve crimes.

==Mind map guidelines==

==Mind map guidelines==