The concept map as a tool for analyzing museum objects

Abstract

This paper discusses using the concept map to study museum objects. The tool's original purpose, which was created in the 1970s by Joseph Novak, was to graphically represent the construction of knowledge of scientific topics by learners, particularly children. Concept maps start from the premise that new knowledge is always built on previous knowledge and allow the representation, organization, and relationship between concepts, which are seen as the primary elements of knowledge. Novak recognized that its potential is insufficiently explored and encouraged its application in different disciplines and fields that deal with concepts and their relationships. This incentive led the Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) to adopt the concept map on an experimental basis to analyze objects in its collection. At first, the tool sought to emphasize the conceptual potential of museum objects and shed more light on their trajectory in time and space and the numerous possible connections with events, institutions, concepts, people, and other objects. In the initial experimental phase, the maps were included in papers presented at academic events and discussed with professionals dedicated to science and technology collections and other specialists in Museology and Information Science. In the second stage, maps began to be produced in greater numbers and on demand, focusing on objects selected for a temporary exhibition. Based on the assumption that museum objects are both unique and representative of a class of objects that share the same name and function, the maps constructed were based on Ingetraut Dahlberg's Theory of Concept, which distinguishes between general and individual objects and concepts.