Is this a propositional statement?

[dgroos]

Hi, In my ongoing quest to increase the breadth and depth of my understanding of concept mapping I'm asking the following question. I see in a fairly official map at (http://cmap.ihmc.us/Publications/Resear ... -large.png) various parts of the map that aren't consistent with what I understand you folks from IHMC to be saying is concept mapping. I don't mind, but I want to make sure that I'm not missing or misunderstanding something.

These seem to be incomplete (i.e. not) propositional statements:
"Interrelationships -->between--> Different map segments"
perhaps: "Interrelationships -->exist between--> Different map segments"
But, I don't know, seems not informative...

"Perceived regularities or patterns -->in--> Objects"
perhaps: "Perceived regularities or patterns -->are a characteristic of--> Objects"
But then I would ask is, ... is a characteristic of... a propositional phrase?

Thanks for helping me think through this.
David

[acanas]

Hi,

Sometimes propositions consist of three concepts and their linking phrases. Although two concepts with their linking phrase is preferable, sometimes its clearer to include 3. See: http://cmap.ihmc.us/docs/Proposition.html

[dgroos]

Ahhh! the last sentence on the linked page

I would be tempted to change the example given on the linked page from:
Travel Time is an inverse function of Speed for a Given Distance
to:
Travel time is defined as Distance Traveled/Speed

and count: "Distance Traveled/Speed" as a concept

Not sure of the pros and cons here, but I sure appreciate you pointing out (and respect) your position on this pragmatic question.

David

[acanas]

If "Distance Traveled" and "Speed" are concepts that are part of other propositions then you would want them to be separate concepts in the Cmap.

[dgroos]

Yes, it's important to tease apart the concepts (or concept labels as I tend to call them) but still give object status to the mathematical relationship.

So make these propositions:
"Distance Traveled" is the numerator of "Distance Traveled/Speed" (if you didn't mind the arrow going from part to whole)
and
"Speed" is the denominator of "Distance Traveled/Speed"

[acanas]

Yes, that would work.. its a matter of "taste"....