Quality and rigor of the concept mapping methodology: A pooled study analysis

• Published in: Evaluation and program planning Vol. 35; no. 2; pp. 236 - 245
• Main Authors: Rosas, Scott R., Kane, Mary
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2012; Elsevier; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Benchmarking; Benchmarking - methods; Community based; Concept Formation; Concept Mapping; Data Collection; Data Collection - methods; Decision Making, Organizational; Estimates; Humans; Independent Study; Methodology; Parameters; Pooled analysis; Quality; Quality Control; Quality management; Reliability; Reproducibility of Results; Research Design - standards; Research Methodology; Statistical Analysis; Validity; Concept mapping; Validity; Benchmarking; Pooled analysis; Reliability; Quality
• ISSN: 0149-7189; 1873-7870
• DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2011.10.003

► We generate specific indicators of validity and reliability for a pooled sample of concept mapping studies. ► We describe the distribution, variation and parameters for each characteristic across concept mapping study phases. ► We examine the relationship between select study characteristics and quality indicators. ► Strong internal representational validity and very strong sorting and rating reliability estimates are present. ► Participation and task completion percentages vary across data collection modes. The use of concept mapping in research and evaluation has expanded dramatically over the past 20 years. Researchers in academic, organizational, and community-based settings have applied concept mapping successfully without the benefit of systematic analyses across studies to identify the features of a methodologically sound study. Quantitative characteristics and estimates of quality and rigor that may guide for future studies are lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a pooled analysis of 69 concept mapping studies to describe characteristics across study phases, generate specific indicators of validity and reliability, and examine the relationship between select study characteristics and quality indicators. Individual study characteristics and estimates were pooled and quantitatively summarized, describing the distribution, variation and parameters for each. In addition, variation in the concept mapping data collection in relation to characteristics and estimates was examined. Overall, results suggest concept mapping yields strong internal representational validity and very strong sorting and rating reliability estimates. Validity and reliability were consistently high despite variation in participation and task completion percentages across data collection modes. The implications of these findings as a practical reference to assess the quality and rigor for future concept mapping studies are discussed.