Mind Maps in Qualitative Research

Abstract

Traditionally, qualitative data collection has focused on observation, interviews, and document or artifact review. Building on past work on visual approaches in the social sciences, in this chapter we consider the value(s) of mind maps for qualitative research. Mind maps are useful tools for qualitative researchers because they offer a mean to address researcher bias and ensure data are collected in ways that privilege participant experience. Qualitative researchers can benefit from visually oriented approaches to research by using them to assist them to plan their research, collect qualitative data, analyze what they have collected, and present findings. Of particular interest in this chapter is how mind maps can offer a graphic and participant-centric means to ground data within theory, assist participants to better frame their experience, and can be used as part ofthe design and development of additional data collection strategies and mixed methodolog- ical approaches. While future applications of mind maps are likely to use tech- nological tools and techniques, there is value in the original approach of putting pen to paper and engaging in a creative and tactile process of outlining ideas and recounting experiences.