A mind-map can be used to summarise the findings of a SQUEAC investigation. It should be drawn and modified as the investigation proceeds. Mind maps can be drawn by hand, by using drawing software or by using mid-mapping software. Most SQUEAC investigators use both hand-drawn mind-maps and mind-mapping software. It is particularly useful to use both methods during training. A large hand-drawn mind-map is useful for managing a SQUEAC investigation, providing a rich summary of the current state of the investigation and can serve as a focal point when deciding data-collection needs and dividing tasks between team members. The collaborative focus provided by the mind-map facilitates team building and improves the quality of the investigation.

Drawing mind maps by hand:

Drawing mind-maps by hand is quick and simple and allows maps to be built collaboratively and encourages debate within the investigating team. Hand-drawn maps may also be used as ‘interactive exhibits’ in interviews. Image 1 shows an example of a mind map which has been hand drawn. The untidy appearance emphasises the interim nature of findings during the early stages of an investigation. Mind-maps may be created using some (or all) of the following guidelines:

• Start with the central theme (‘Coverage’) in the centre of the page.
• Keep the mind-map clear by using a branching hierarchy.
• SQUEAC mind-maps tend to use the hierarchy of:

Central Theme → Data Source/Method → Individual Findings

• Present each finding alone; relationships between findings may be shown using, for example, dotted lines, symbols, or colours.
• Use images, symbols, and codes throughout the mind-map:
  • Use the ? symbol to mark unconfirmed findings.
  • Use the ✓ or ↑ symbol to mark positive findings.
  • Use the ✗ or ↓ symbol to mark negative findings.
  • Use the ~ or ↔ symbol to mark neutral findings.
• Combine symbols (e.g., use ?↑ to mark unconfirmed but indicative positive findings).
• Use boxes, circles, shading, etc. for emphasis.
• Write key words using uppercase or lowercase letters and use colour and underlining.
• Lines should be connected and start from the central theme.
• Vary line thickness to denote importance/influence.
• Use colours throughout the mind-map to encode or group.
• Use emphasis and show relationships in the mind-map.
• Redraw and re-organise the mind-map as it becomes confused and untidy.

These are guidelines, not rules. The only rule is that findings should be organised in tree structures organised around a central theme.

Drawing Mind-maps using drawing software:

Drawing a mind-map on the computer using drawing software is useful for producing a fair copy of a hand drawn mind map for inclusion in reports:

 Drawing Mind-maps using mind-mapping software:

Using mind-mapping software has many advantages:

• The mind-map can be restructured without having to redraw it from scratch.
• Mind-mapping software can also act as a sort of database with charts, spreadsheets, interview transcripts, interview summaries, concept-maps, etc. being stored ‘behind’ each node or leaf on the mind-map.
• The mind-map can easily be included in reports.
• Some mind-mapping software can use stored data to produce a report automatically.

Image 3 shows SQUEAC mind-map being edited using an open-source mind-mapping software package called XMind. This is available free from: www.xmind.net . This screenshot shows the text stored ‘behind’ the node for the findings of interviews with village doctors as well as a graph of routine program monitoring data. The XMind software can automatically produce a formatted and illustrated report using the entered findings and the hierarchical structure of the mind-map.

 Sources:

Much of the text and all of the images in this page were taken from pages 53-61 of:

• Myatt. M, Guevarra. E, Fieschi. L, Norris. A, Guerrero. S, Schofield. L, Jones. D, Emru. E and Sadler. K , 2012. Semi-Quantitative Evaluation of Access and Coverage (SQUEAC) / Simplified Lot Quality Assurance Sampling Evaluation of Access and Coverage (SLEAC) Technical Reference, available to download here.