Concept Mapping
For this assignment, you are tasked with finding a research article related to work with clients who communicate using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) that has been published within the last five years.
Before you begin searching, you should think through what client population you are interested in researching.
For example, you may be interested in individuals with Rett Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
When we search in the databases, we break down our search based on concepts. Concepts for this assignment can be understood under the categories "Population" and "Intervention."
As you think about your intervention, you may want to search for specific types of AAC, you may want to keep that part of the search broad, or you may want to use a combination of broad and specific search terms.
See the box below for an example of concept mapping:
Example
Once you know what population group you're going to focus on, you can start thinking of search terms to use in the databases. This is an important step in the process because not every researcher will use the exact same terms. Many syndromes have multiple spellings and acronyms that are used interchangeably. Additionally, you will want to think of terms for AAC that researchers might be using in relation to your chosen population.
For help thinking of synonyms for your concepts, I recommend first drawing on your own knowledge of the subject, and then using a database thesaurus like MeSH 2025.
To use MeSH 2025, simply type your term into the search box on the homepage. Make sure to select "All" if you want to find headings that mention all of the terms you input into the search box.
Then, copy and paste the Entry Term(s) into a blank document. You'll use these in the next step (Finding).
If I do this for both my population and my intervention, my document might look something like this:
Population
- Rett Syndrome
- Rett's Disorder
- Rett's Syndrome
- Cerebroatrophic Hyperammonemia
Intervention
- AAC
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication
- Augmentative and Alternative Communications Systems
- Communication Aids for Disabled
- Communication Aids for Persons with Disabilities
- Communication Boards
- Speech Synthesizers
- TDD
- Text Telecommunication
- Eye-Tracking
