We explain what a semantic map is, its characteristics, the types there are and examples. Also, how to make one step by step.
What is a semantic map?
A semantic map, also called a semantic network, is a graphic representation of the fundamental concepts of a topic, work or other matter under study. It is a set of keywords linked to a main word or to each other by lines, in such a way that the logical relationship between them is evident.
There are two basic perspectives regarding semantic maps. On the one hand, they can be considered as an organizational tool prior to explaining or studying a topic, that is, as a support to articulate the concepts that will later be addressed in more depth. On the other hand, they can be used as support material to summarize the concepts and relationships of a topic that has already been explained or studied.
In either way, it is a conceptual support tool that allows a greater understanding of a subject and can show different types of links between words. In some cases, it can indicate the hierarchy of concepts. If so, the difference between the key or central concepts and the auxiliary or secondary concepts in the spatial or visual organization is shown, and their union is represented by connecting lines.
In other cases, can bring together elements of the same hierarchysince words that belong to the same class or category are placed, because they are examples, properties or characteristics of a topic or a concept.
In all cases, a semantic map shows in a simple way what is the most important vocabulary that emerges from a topic.
See also: Graphic organizers
Characteristics of a semantic map
A semantic map has the following characteristics:
- Link concepts. In a simple way, it shows how the most relevant words of a topic are related.
- Hierarchically represents. You can display concepts or ideas ordered according to their category. However, it can be used to indicate words linked to a topic without indicating hierarchy.
- It is easy to prepare. It can be done in a few steps and does not usually present great difficulties.
- Expand the meaning of a topic. It connects a term with others and, in this way, allows us to understand a topic in greater depth.
- It is modifiable. Allow words or ideas to be added as deemed necessary.
Elements of a semantic map
A semantic map consists of:
- A main theme or concept. It is what information is provided about. It is placed within a geometric figure, usually a rectangle or square, in a prominent location.
- Other concepts. They are the elements that emerge from or are linked to the main theme or concept. They can be secondary concepts, examples or related ideas.
- Arrows or lines. They connect the main theme or concept with the other concepts.
Types of semantic map
Depending on its structure and appearance, there are three types of semantic map:
1. Linear semantic map
Information is organized from left to right or top to bottom, sequentially and continuously. The main theme or concept is placed on the left or above and the rest is displayed to the right or below.
2. Matrix semantic map
The main theme or concept is placed in the center. The auxiliary concepts are located towards the edges of the sheet, surrounding the main one.
3. Tree semantic map
The main theme or concept is in the center. Secondary concepts detach from it upwards or downwards, in the same way that the branches or roots of a tree do.
See also: Mind map
How to make a semantic map?
To make a semantic map, some steps must be followed:
- Write down the concepts for the diagram. A list of the concepts that will go in the diagram must be made. These can arise from a brainstorm or can be extracted from reading material. They have to be keywords or very short statements. For example, for the topic “punctuation marks”, the concepts are period, comma, semicolon, colon, ellipsis, question marks, exclamation marks, quotation marks, parentheses, brackets, dash and script.
- Identify the main concept or theme. If it is not previously identified, of all the concepts noted, you must choose which one is the main one. For example, the main concept or theme may be Punctuation marks.
- Identify what the auxiliary concepts are. It must be determined what the auxiliary concepts are and if there is any hierarchy between them. For example, all the names of the punctuation marks are the secondary concepts from which their definitions will be derived.
- Organize the concepts. The main concept must be placed in its respective place, according to the type of semantic map chosen. Then the auxiliary concepts are placed.
- Draw the lines. Once all the concepts are in their final place, the lines that establish the connection between one and the other are drawn.
Example of semantic map
Example of a semantic map showing the vocabulary of punctuation marks.
What is a semantic map for?
Semantic maps serve different purposes:
- They represent the concepts of a topic in a visual, effective and agile way.
- They help organize information and hierarchically order concepts.
- They allow us to understand the relationships between ideas and concepts. Therefore, they are useful for studying any subject.
- They facilitate the understanding of ideas, therefore, they can serve as support when explaining a topic.
- They are used in class as previous outlines to address the content of texts that will be read later.
- They allow students to relate known information with new information and to get involved in the production of knowledge.
Difference between conceptual and semantic map
Concept maps and semantic maps have some similarities, for example, they allow us to represent how different concepts are related.
However, they present great differences, since in concept maps a hierarchical relationship is always established between concepts, and in semantic maps this is not always the case.
Furthermore, in concept maps, concepts are joined by lines or arrows and linking words to form propositions, that is, sentences that serve to define the topic. On the other hand, in semantic maps, concepts are only linked by arrows or lines.
| Concept maps | Semantic maps | |
|---|---|---|
| They represent relationships between concepts. | ||
| Hierarchical relationship | It is always present. | It is not always present. |
| Linking concepts | It is done using lines or arrows and linking words. | It is only done using arrows or lines. |
| Propositions (defining sentences) | There is (via linking words). | There is none, only concepts are linked. |
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References
- Cumpa-Valencia, M. (2021). Relationship of semantic maps with the increase in reading comprehension. Our Land, 15(2), 1-9.
- Henao Álvarez, O. (2002). The construction of semantic maps in a hypermedia and printed text. Education and Pedagogy Magazine, XVI(33), 245-254.
- Karin, B. and Velarde, C. (2018). The development of graphic organizers and their influence on the development of meaningful learning. Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University.
