A WeB RDB Example in Concept Map

by K. Yue

Example

The goal of this example is to refine a concept map (CM) for the Relational model: http://files.software-carpentry.org/training-course/2014/09/Bild-2014-09-22-kl.-18.20.jpg

This example shows a few steps in the iterative refinement to show how Element of Thinking (EoT) and intellectual standards may be relevant.

We start with a simple high level CM for "database system":

Many concepts and links can be related to Critical Thinking's Element of Thought (EoT) and Intellectual Standards (IS):

https://www.criticalthinking.org/ctmodel/logic-model1.htm

Consider the node "database managers." It may have at least two meanings:

  1. Database Management Systems (DBMS), software
  2. Database Administrator (DBA), a person.

The link from "database managers" seem to indicate DBMS. Thus, we have:

cm2

We refine the concept and information, and improve on clarity and precision.

The DBMS examples of "MySQL", "Postgres" and "SQLite" are good. Related EoT may be concept, point of view, and information. Related IS may be breadth. It also uses "exemplification" of SEE-I.

However, SQLite is not actually a DBMS but a DB engine, or SQL engine, which is a core component of DBMS.

cm3

Consider the link between "DBMS" and "SQL Queries." It is mostly correct. However, SQL is a language for Relational DBMS, not for all DBMS. If desired, we can make change:

cm4

The related EoT may be:

  1. Point of reference: state that we are in the context of relational DBMS and imply that there are many other types of DBMS.
  2. Concept: refine background theory and concepts.
  3. Assumptions: Since all other concepts are related to RDBMS, the implied assumption is that we are dealing with RDBMS.

This may also improves on clarity, relevance and precision.

Note that we also fixed the arrow direction of "implemented in".

The concept "SQL queries": may mean

  1. SQL: the language. See "is a" "language".
  2. SQL commands: actions using SQL. See "used via" and "perform" "operation".
  3. SQL queries: SQL commands for data retrieval. See "return" "rows" and "return" "field".

Shall we have one concept or three concepts in our CMAP? It depends on the level of details needed.

If we keep only one concept, we may:

cm5

We improve on concept, purpose, accuracy, and precision.

Here is the next iteration:

cm6

SQL does not directly return rows and fields. It returns SQL that contains both rows and fields.

This improves on concept, information and implications of EoT, and accuracy, precision, clarity and logic of IS.