A Comparison of Two Construct-a-Concept-Map Science Assessments: Created Linking Phrases and Selected Linking Phrases

In this paper we examine the equivalence of two construct-a-concept-map techniques: construct-a-map with created linking phrases (C) and construct-a-map with selected linking phrases (S). The former places few constraints on the respondent and has been considered the gold standard; the latter is cost- and time-efficient. They are compared in terms of both concept map products and processes. Both quantitative and qualitative variables are used for comparison: total accuracy score, individual proposition scores, proposition choice, map structure complexity, proposition generation rate, and proposition generation procedures. We conclude that the two mapping techniques are not equivalent: The C mapping technique is better than S in capturing students’ partial knowledge, even though the S mapping technique could be scored more efficiently than C. Based on the characteristics of the two techniques, if used as an assessment tool, the C mapping technique is suitable for formative assessment, and the S mapping technique is a better fit for large-scale assessments.