- Structure of the spider map
- The 5 main advantages of a spider map
- 1- Show ideas clearly
- 2- Easy to make
- 3- Easy to understand visually
- 4- It is striking
- 5- The exposed data are linked to the central theme
- The 4 main disadvantages of a spider map
- 1- The information is organized without hierarchy
- 2- The relationship between elements is messy
- 3- It is limited to the data it exposes
- 4- Has the ability to expose little information
- References
A spider map is a graphic organizer that is intended to help structure ideas and thoughts. It is simple in structure and designed to concisely present the most important ideas about a topic.
Concept maps in general are widely used in investigative processes. These are outlines that help organize all the ideas about a topic. Thus, they facilitate the understanding of this, as well as quick access to relevant information.
Spider map example
Its adaptability is a great advantage. It can be used as a tool to outline ideas before carrying out a project or as a visual aid in presentations. This is due to the simplicity of the exposition of the ideas.
It is very useful as a research and study resource, as it is a quick way to record and organize important information on a specific topic.
Structure of the spider map
Spider maps get their name from the shape they resemble; that of a spider. In this image the main idea represents the body of the spider, while the subordinate ideas are the legs.
The spider map scheme is fairly straightforward, and much of its advantages lie in this aspect.
The main idea from which all the others start is located in the center, in this way the hierarchy of this is illustrated.
From this central idea the others branch off, all connected directly with the main idea.
Among these secondary ideas the main idea is broken down; that is, these can be characteristics, relevant features, or observations about it.
As its capacity is limited to a maximum of 8 secondary ideas, it is important to make a preliminary draft with all the ideas that were considered important.
It is a good idea to do a draft review and make sure only the most important notes are kept.
Spider maps are very useful tools when it comes to brainstorming, therefore they are popular. But there are aspects that are not entirely advantageous in this type of scheme.
The 5 main advantages of a spider map
1- Show ideas clearly
The layout of the content is simple and friendly.
2- Easy to make
It has a simple structure scheme that also contains the essential information on the subject. So it is possible to know the subject in a general way.
3- Easy to understand visually
The ideas are clearly arranged.
4- It is striking
It is easy on the eye, which makes it more attractive to readers.
5- The exposed data are linked to the central theme
Its outline makes ideas easy to relate to the topic.
The 4 main disadvantages of a spider map
1- The information is organized without hierarchy
It does not show relevant data related to the priority that one element can have over the others.
2- The relationship between elements is messy
The relationship between the data presented is not clear.
3- It is limited to the data it exposes
Ideas related to the central theme cannot be subdivided.
4- Has the ability to expose little information
The same simple structure works against it, since it has a very limited capacity.
References
- Spider Diagrams. (2016) enchantedlearning.com
- What is a spidermap? (2017) storyboardthat.com
- Spider concept map. (2017) mapaconceptual.de
- Spider-shaped concept map. (2015) graphic organizers.com
- Spider map. understood.org