It is based on Ausubel's theory of meaningful learning which stresses that learning new knowledge is dependent on what is already known. Creating a concept map of a particular domain makes learning an active process rather than a passive one. A concept map consists of hiearchically arranged nodes or cells that contain a concept, item or question and labled links. An example of a concept map, developed by Novack, showing the key concepts involved in concept mapping is shown below.
Concept mapping has a variety of applications within a broad range of domains.
The resulting web of concepts increases the number of relationships that connect new information to existing concepts thereby increasing the stability of the new information. This type of structural flexibility makes concept mapping highly suitable for hypermedia environments, since the type of linking employed in concept maps is an excellent representation of hypermedia's nonlinear paradigm. Concept maps can be useful as a tool for conceptual development of hypermedia, navigational structures within hypermedia applications, and interfaces for the indexing and retrieval of hypermedia objects. Conversely, computer applications can provide significant support in the creation and maintenance of concept maps. Automated tools can improve visual appearance and consistency.