Mind Mapping as a Pragmatic Solution for Evaluation: A Critical Reflection through Two Case Studies

Authors

Elbina Avdagic, Parenting Research CentreFollow
Fiona May, Parenting Research CentreFollow
Tom McClean, UnitingFollow
Fiona Shackleton, Parenting Research CentreFollow
Catherine Wade, Parenting Research CentreFollow
Karen Healy, University of QueenslandFollow

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/sqqw-ht68

Abstract

Funders of social interventions that address complex child and family welfare concerns for highly vulnerable populations are increasingly seeking cost-effective and rapid mixed method evaluations of their services. This paper describes a mind mapping approach that was used to collect valid and reliable qualitative data from large numbers of informants across two separate evaluation projects. The mind mapping approach provided a rapid, credible solution to the need to extract and summarize views from a diverse range of informants, and to gain consensus agreement on themes arising from the data. Through the use of two case studies to illustrate the application of the technique, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of the method and reflect upon the utility of mind mapping for quality improvement evaluation within the human services.

Recommended Citation

Avdagic, Elbina; May, Fiona; McClean, Tom; Shackleton, Fiona; Wade, Catherine; and Healy, Karen (2021) "Mind Mapping as a Pragmatic Solution for Evaluation: A Critical Reflection through Two Case Studies," Practical Assessment, Research, and Evaluation: Vol. 26, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7275/sqqw-ht68
Available at: https://scholarworks.umass.edu/pare/vol26/iss1/5