Getting Started with Research at Shapiro Library

Brainstorming and Mind Mapping

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a way to come up with topics or ideas. It allows a person to casually consider multiple topics, ideas, theories, etc. without judgment and to take some ideas further into actual projects or as tools to consider more topics, ideas, theories, etc. Watch the video from Academic Support to learn more about Brainstorming and Mind Mapping.

Mind Mapping

A mind map is a visual representation of your issue or topic. It is a tool that is used to visualize ideas and opportunities for broadening or narrowing down search topics. 

There are a number of free brainstorming and mind mapping tools available online like Bubbl.us This link opens in a new window and Popplet This link opens in a new window.

Alternatively, try the mind map available via Credo This link opens in a new window. This visual tool can help you discover connections between key terms by mapping close relationships.

You can access Credo This link opens in a new window by following these steps:

1. Select A-Z Database List on the library homepage under "Quick Links"
2. Choose "C" from the alphabet
3. Find "Credo" on the list of databases available there

Once you are on the Credo homepage,

1. Click on the Mind Map link in the Visual Exploration section on the top right
2. Type in terms related to your topic in the search box and click on the magnifying glass icon to search.
3. Explore related terms. Clicking on a term in the mind map will refresh the mind map along with related articles on the topic in Credo.