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Mind maps and network analysis to evaluate conceptualization of complex issues: A case example evaluating systems science workshops for childhood obesity prevention

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  • Frerichs, Leah
  • Young, Tiffany L.
  • Dave, Gaurav
  • Stith, Doris
  • Corbie-Smith, Giselle
  • Hassmiller Lich, Kristen

Abstract

Across disciplines, it is common practice to bring together groups to solve complex problems. Facilitators are often asked to help groups organize information about and better understand the problem in order to develop and prioritize solutions. However, despite existence of several methods to elicit and characterize how individuals and groups think about and conceptualize an issue, many are difficult to implement in practice-based settings where resources such as technology and participant time are limited and research questions shift over time. This paper describes an easy-to-implement diagramming technique for eliciting conceptualization and a flexible network analysis method for characterizing changes in both individual and group conceptualization. We use a case example to illustrate how we used the methods to evaluate African American adolescent’s conceptual understanding of obesity before and after participating in a series of four systems thinking workshops. The methods produced results that were sensitive to changes in conceptualization that were likely driven by the specific activities employed during the workshop sessions. The methods appear strong for capturing salient levels of conceptualization at both individual and collective levels. The paper concludes with a critical examination of strengths and weaknesses of the methods and implications for future practice and research.

Suggested Citation

  • Frerichs, Leah & Young, Tiffany L. & Dave, Gaurav & Stith, Doris & Corbie-Smith, Giselle & Hassmiller Lich, Kristen, 2018. "Mind maps and network analysis to evaluate conceptualization of complex issues: A case example evaluating systems science workshops for childhood obesity prevention," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 135-147.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:68:y:2018:i:c:p:135-147
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2018.03.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Frerichs, L. & Lich, K.H. & Dave, G. & Corbie-Smith, G., 2016. "Integrating systems science and community-based participatory research to achieve health equity," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 106(2), pages 215-222.
    2. Goldman, Alyssa W. & Kane, Mary, 2014. "Concept mapping and network analysis: An analytic approach to measure ties among constructs," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 9-17.
    3. Sterman, J.D., 2006. "Learning from evidence in a complex world," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 96(3), pages 505-514.
    4. Sterman, John., 1994. "Learning in and about complex systems," Working papers 3660-94., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Sloan School of Management.
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    7. McLinden, Daniel, 2013. "Concept maps as network data: Analysis of a concept map using the methods of social network analysis," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 36(1), pages 40-48.
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    1. Patricia E Jessiman & Katie Powell & Philippa Williams & Hannah Fairbrother & Mary Crowder & Joanna G Williams & Ruth Kipping, 2021. "A systems map of the determinants of child health inequalities in England at the local level," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(2), pages 1-25, February.

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