2. Objectives of the Study
The objectives of this study are to:
1) Compare the relative effectiveness of three concept mapping strategies (hierarchical, flowchart and spider)
on the performance of students in Chemistry; and
2) Determine which of the concept mapping strategies can best improve the numerical problem solving skills
of students in Chemistry.
3. Study Design and Sample
The research study adopted a pre-test, post-test quasi-experimental design in which three public senior secondary
schools were randomly selected in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. Intact class of
Chemistry students in Senior Secondary Class two (SSII) were selected for the study. A total of one hundred and
fifty six (156) students formed the sample for the study. The age range of the students was between 13 and
17years.Selected sample were randomly assigned to the treatment groups. The treatment involves the use of concept
mapping strategies (Spider, Flowchart and Hierarchy) to teach the mole concept and related concepts that are
associated with stoichiometry in Chemistry. A pre-test was used to determine the entry level of the subjects. The
treatment was then carried out for five weeks after which a post-test followed to determine the effects of the
treatments.
4. Variables
The variables examined in this study are:
1) Independent Variables: These are the learning strategies used in the study. They are
i. Hierarchical concept mapping;
ii. Flowchart concept mapping; and
iii. Spider concept mapping;