Brain hemispheres theory
The human brain consists of two halves. In brain hemispheres theory, developed in the 1970s, certain functions are assigned to the parts:
- The left half controls logic, numbers, linear thinking, analysis and language;
- The right half is the center for phantasy, spatial processes and recognition of color, rhythm, shape and pattern.
This differentiation is strongly simplified, as a matter of course. The complexity of the brain does not allow for a complete understanding of the way it works until today; anyhow, brain hemispheres theory is widely accepted as a generalized model.
Also in the 1970s, the »mapping« technique was developed in England: information is visualized as a picture that is easy to memorize. The main goal was to activate both halves of the brain at the same time and to take advantage of the synergies that arise.
Classic mapping
In its classic variety, mapping is done using paper and colored pencils (»paper-and-pen technique«). The sheet is generally used in landscape format.
The main subject is put into the center of the sheet as a combination of a central image with a very short caption. The image should illustrate the main idea. Originating from the image, radial lines are drawn; keywords describing the subject — the main ideas — are written onto these lines. Multiple more lines may be connected to the end of each main idea line. This allows for sub-divisions and additions to the main ideas.
This process may be continued over and over, resulting in a detailed depiction of the subject.
Usage of colors may increase clarity of the map if the colors are employed to mark related ideas. Symbols, such as arrows, geometric shapes, pictures and icons, make it easier to grasp the content and allow for separating or highlighting areas of interest.
Uses
There are many different uses for mapping:
- Essays and lecture notes can be prepared using the mapping technique. During the speech, the map replaces the traditional cue sheet.
- Mapping is great for brainstorming: ideas can be added almost as fast as they come to mind.
- Meetings can be prepared on a map, and notes can be added right into it during the session. The participants can see the progress at any time. Usage of keywords forces all participants to express their statements concisely and clearly. The keeper of the minutes adds relevant items to his map, and when the meeting is over, the minutes are already available.
- Personal notes from lectures, magazine articles, books and phone calls can be recorded as a map. Maps are generally useful for quick written notes.
- Mapping is also suitable as a learning method as it partitions the subject matter. This allows the student to see what he has already learnt and what still needs to be worked on. Relationships can be recognized and memorized more easily.
Advantages
Mapping requires practice; it takes some time getting used to it. This can be considered a disadvantage, but it is more than outweighed by the following benefits:
- Maps can give a quick overview of the subject: the basic idea can often be seen at a glance. Visual depiction makes it easier to grasp and to memorize the information.
- Sub- and superordination in branch levels show the meaning of a thought relative to the other ideas in the map. The keywords are being structured and a hierarchy is being created, which means omissions are readily identifiable.
- It can easily be seen from the map which ideas are already well developed, and which ones still need work.
- Usage of keywords helps concentrating on the core ideas, which saves time.
- Related ideas can be emphasized and linked.
Mapping on a computer
Thinking is not a linear act; it is an extremely complex process that has not yet fully been scientifically resolved. Continuous stimuli lead to associations and establish structures, the brain switches between multiple trains of thought. Parts are being added, others are being removed in the continuing process. New links are established to knowledge already stored in memory.
Maps have been developed taking thinking processes into account; the radial layout allows for expansions into all directions. Space problems on the sheet are minimized.
Anyhow, maps may become overloaded at times, especially if they are the result of a brainstorming session or if they have been crated by a team. Mapping on a computer resolves these problems:
- Maps can quickly be edited without big effort and without the need to ever recreate and reenter the same information.
- They are easily legible.
- As an additional benefit, they can be created even faster.
Besides these gradual improvements over the classic »paper-and-pen technique«, some features are by principle exclusively available to computer-based mapping:
- Background information can be stored as text attached to any object in the map. When looking at the entire map, these notes are hidden, which means they do not reduce the clarity of the document.
- Links to resources on the Internet or intranet are possible: one click is all it takes to open the resources later and to continue research.
- The map can be encrypted to keep confidential information private.
- The map can be converted into a traditional outline automatically at the touch of a button. The outline might be used as a table of contents for a long text version.
All in all, efficiency can significantly be increased in comparison to working without »mapping« — this means there is more time left on the job, at college, in school or in free time. The playful approach to problems may at the same time make work a more joyful event.