Vee diagrams

What is a vee diagram?

The Vee diagram is named for its “V” shape. It provides a structure for an experiment or study, ensuring a strong theoretical and conceptual basis and solid analysis. It is a thorough way of representing knowledge about a subject. It has a central focus question at the top, with theoretical and conceptual information along the left side, a concrete experiment, study, or experience at the point of the V, and analysis and evaluation of the experiment in light of the focus question along the right side. It is also called Gowin’s vee, knowledge vee, and vee heuristic.

What are vee diagrams good for?

The Vee diagram is useful for planning and carrying out a study or an experiment, and for evaluating reports. Missing steps or information become obvious. It was initially developed for use in science classes.

What are some examples of vee diagrams?

Click on any of the thumbnails above for examples on this site.

Where can I learn more about vee diagrams?

Websites

Short paper by Novak on concept maps and vee diagrams, “Metacognitive Strategies to Help Students Learning How to Learn”
Scholarly update on vee diagrams “Improved Vee Heuristics”
Diagram of the updated vee “The Improved Vee Heuristic”
Paper, Resources on Research Project Design

Books

Learning how to learn, Joseph D. Novak, D. Bob Gowin, 1984, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK