Theory Mapping FAQs

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The following questions are answered:

• What is Theory Mapping?
• Are there example Theory Maps I can look at?
• What is the vision for Theory Mapping?
  
• Why Theory Mapping?
• Where can Theory Mapping be used?
• What are the key objections to Theory Mapping?
• Has Theory Mapping been tested?
• How to implement Theory Mapping?
• How can I help?
• Why the change in name?
  

What is Theory Mapping?

Theory Mapping is a new and potentially revolutionary method to improve the quality of theories that society uses. It may be described in terms of its Features, Process and Modes of Application:

• Features: it consists of the unique combination of five features: 1) Argument Mapping; 2) Ability to map complex theories; 3) Comparability of Theory Maps; 4) Quantitative test of the truth; and 5) Web-based.

• Process: it consists of the following steps: 1) State the Research Question; 2) Collection of Facts; 3) Draft Theory Map to fit the facts; 4) Measurement of coherence; 5) Iteration of previous stages to increase coherence.
  
• Modes of application: the two main modes for which it can be most effectively used are: 1) Theory Mapping Debate, in which two or more sides together agree on the facts to be explained and try to compete to provide the most coherent explanation of the facts; and 2) Theory Mapping Competition, in which one organisation sponsors the competition and specifies the facts to be explained, and anyone is free to enter Maps providing the most coherent explanation of them.

Are there example Theory Maps I can look at?

Yes, the following two maps were written using the bCisive argument mapping software. They are zip files, so you will need to extract them first. Then open the html file to see the map. This gives read-only access. To edit you need to buy the software or get a free trial.

• Example Theory Map: Lone Gunman Theory for 'Who shot JFK?' (most advanced);
  
• Example Theory Map: Anthropogenic Theory for 'What is the cause of climate change since 1950?' (very draft stage)
  

They are only drafts to help to stimulate thought in preparation for the pilot debates. The red Objection boxes highlight the key areas of incoherence. The blue boxes contain the titles of Agreed Facts, the details of which can be found in the Agreed Facts excel spreadsheet (accessed by clicking on the link in the Situation box at the top).

Alternatively, if you just want simple Pdfs without the hassle of zip files (but minus the linked spreadsheets), click here: JFK map Pdf; Climate change map Pdf.


What is the vision for Theory Mapping?

The vision is to end up with a website containing league tables of competing theories in every area of human thought. Visitors to the website can either build up their belief system by choosing the highest scoring theories, or get involved in online Theory Mapping Debates or Competitions to try to raise the ranking of their own preferred theories. These Debates and Competitions would be sponsored by various organisations, including government research funding agencies in recognition of the efficiency of the method in effectively harnessing the world's collective intelligence.


Why Theory Mapping?

For those areas of inquiry which are not amenable to controlled experimentation, Theory Mapping enables the generation, communication, critique, refinement and selection of theories better than other means of debate e.g. academic journals, face-to-face debate, reports, discussion boards, blogs etc. It does this by solving two key problems that plague debates between different theories: lack of clear communication; and lack of an agreed test of the truth. The analogy is of blind people running a race without a agreed course and an agreed finishing line - the result is pretty inefficient! Theory Mapping provides the glasses (Theory Maps), the course (a clear process) and the finishing line (agreed truth test).

For more information see the following:

• Argument Map of the case for Theory Mapping: lays the case out very logically! Click the link to download, unzip and open the html file to see the map.
  
• Benefits of its features: each of its five features brings particular benefits to the table. See the FAQ What is Theory Mapping? for links to posts on each of the features, each of which includes an explanation of the benefits.

Where can Theory Mapping be used?

Theory Mapping can be applied in the following areas (click on the titles below for more information):

• World views/belief systems/ideologies: allows the possibility of a genuine debate between world views that all sides can sign up to, allows people to decide between world views on a rational basis, and improves mutual respect between world views;
• Academic research: enabling anyone in the world to contribute their ideas and knowledge to academic debates;
• Intelligence analysis: combining the strengths of both Analysis of Competing Hypotheses and Hypothesis Mapping for developing reliable theories out of a mass of evidence.
• Theology: a tool to allow the theologians of any religion to identify the most coherent interpretation of their holy books and traditions.
• Education: Theory Mapping can be used to assist in the teaching of any theory.
• Epistemology: researching the results of Theory Mapping can help to resolve debate about the structure of knowledge between Foundationalism and Coherentism.

What are the key objections to Theory Mapping?

Sounds too good to be true? For my responses to some possible objections see:

• Objection: People not interested in rational argument;
  
• Objection: Test of the truth is too weak;
  
• Objection: High risk of deadlock;
• Objection: Too complicated;
  
• Objection: Bad communication tool.
  

Has Theory Mapping been tested?

Not yet, but I am currently working on the following pilot tests:

• Pilot test: Causes of climate change: a way to test how well Theory Mapping can improve the efficiency of debates within academia. In association with the Open University and sponsored by Austhink. Should be completed by April 2009.
  
• Pilot test: JFK assassination: a way to test how well Theory Mapping can improve the efficiency of debates between different world views.
  

How to implement Theory Mapping?

Some of the issues involved in acheiving the vision for Theory Mapping are covered in the following posts:

• Organisation and Funding: what kind of organisation can best promote Theory Mapping, and how can it be financed?
• Software: what software development is needed to support Theory Mapping?
• Website: what kind of website is needed to support Theory Mapping?

How can I help?

• Comment: I really welcome your feedback both positive and negative. Please add your comments to the most relevant post and I will do my best to reply and/or incorporate your views.
• Participate: if you have strong views on either climate change or JFK's assassination then you are very welcome to get involved in the pilot tests as a participant. Or if you would like to help set up a debate on another topic let me know.
  
• Support: if you have good IT skills I would appreciate help in setting up the Theory Mapping website!
• Spread the word! if you think that Theory Mapping is an exciting idea, then let others know about this site.
  

I can be contacted at strahanspencerATgmail.com.


Why the change in name?

In previous posts I have called the method Belief Mapping, but now believe that Theory Mapping is a more accurate description, since what distinguishes it from other visual argumentation approaches (such as Argument Mapping, Concept Mapping, Issue Mapping etc.) is that it is specifically about the visualization and evaluation of theories.
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