Causal mapping refers to the use of directed node and link graphs -- similar to concept maps in some ways -- to represent a set of causal relationships within a system. For example, the causal map shown below reflects two sixth grade girls' representation of the factors that contribute to the health of a stream.
Causal mapping is more structured than concept mapping, in that links can only mean one thing (a causal relation). This has the advantage, in the context in which we use causal mapping, of allowing students to develop a shared representation for causality. This in turn allows students to quickly examine and critique each others' causal maps, and pursue discussions -- with peers and with the teacher -- about what factors should be included and how different causal chains should be represented.
Causal mapping uses a representation that is similar that those used by dynamic modeling environments like STELLA and Model-It. These tools allow the user to design and test causal models and offer fine control over the specific mathematical nature of the causal relationship. The causal mapping tool does not support the ability to test one's causal map by running it over time (as do these other tools). It focuses solely on providing a expressive representation that students, with minimal training, can use to explore the behavior of causal systems.
The Center for Innovative Learning Technologies supported the development of the causal mapping tool, which allows students to generate and modify causal maps via the web. The primary use of causal mapping has been within the Web-based Science Inquiry Environment (WISE). We have developed several WISE projects that include causal mapping as a means to make sense of a set of causal relationships.
The causal map shown here was created by two sixth grade girls who were using the WISE Pine Creek project. Their goal was to build a model of water quality that they could use to explain what would affect the health of a local stream. To see an expanded view of this causal map, click on the image.
For more information about causal mapping, please contact Eric Baumgartner.
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Reviewing students models
You can review student models via Assessment Manager, or through this page (requires WISE 1 authentication).
Adding causal mapping to a project
The Causal Mapper can be used with WISE as an external tool. To add the Causal Mapper to a WISE project, create a new step and select "Other" as a step type. When prompted for a URL, enter:
http://cilt.berkeley.edu/synergy/causalmap/wise2/wiseAuthoring.php
Once you've entered the URL, you can edit the step just like any other kind of step in WISE by clicking on "Authoring Mode." For further information about configuring causal mapping steps in WISE, see the Help file.
Last modified: 16 Nov 2001.
