Stephen Andrulis
Benefits and Limitations of Argument Mapping: The Example of the Ryerson Master Plan © 2007
The objective of this study is to demonstrate the utility of argumentation mapping by remodeling an existing thread-based discussion. A thread-based discussion held for the Ryerson Master Plan was used in the remodeling process. Students, professors and staff members were asked to participate in a discussion forum where they could provide feedback on eight different aspects of the plan. Using data extracted from this discussion, the utility of an argumentation map prototype, ArgooMap, was assessed.
The results of the study show that argumentation mapping can assist in clarifying the participants contributions, identify areas of more and less interest through clustering of markers, and highlight geo-connections to understand the spatial thought process of the participants. Ultimately, argumentation mapping not only assists planners with identifying the concerns of the public, but also identify spatial locations where these concerns exist. As a result planners for the Ryerson Master Plan can act accordingly to address these concerns appropriately.