Mind Mapping for Research

Simon Elichko (they/them)

Social Sciences & Data Librarian

Examples of researchers' mind maps

Some research-related uses for mind maps

  • Note-taking
    • Your notes on a reading, an episode, a lecture
    • Could take notes on a handful of related readings
    • Outlining and summarizing (key points, quotes)
    • Reacting and building on (your observations, questions, responses, etc.)
  • Brainstorming
    • Clarifying your interests and exploring a topic
    • Breaking down your topic into smaller, more manageable components
  • Organizing a project
    • Creating a visual plan of your work
    • Grouping and sorting literature, questions, findings, etc.
  • Presenting ideas
    • Visually representing your literature review
    • Highlighting key findings, arguments, evidence

One tool for mind mapping: Coggle

Accessing Coggle

  • To access, go to coggle.it
     
  • You can sign in with your Swarthmore Google account or a personal Google account (an Apple or Microsoft account works too)
     
  • Free to use all basic features. Can create up to 3 private mind maps and unlimited public ones.

How to create a mind map in Coggle

  1. Create a new diagram
  2. Enter something into the first node
    (gray box in center)
  3. Add a new branch (hover for plus sign)
  4. Label the new node
  5. Add secondary branches

Node: Your name

Branch: Favorite foods

Secondary branches: Examples of your favorite foods

Making changes to your mind map

  • Change colors of branches:
    • Right-click (or Control + click) at the base of the branch
    • Choose colors
       
  • Delete a branch:
    • Right-click (or Control + click) at the base of the branch or node
    • Choose the X to delete
       
  • Adjust node:
    • Click and drag the corner of the node to resize
    • For formatting options, click node for menu