Qualitative_data_analysis

Figure. 13.4 The history of the universe through time
Source: adapted from Hawking 1988:138
OF MAPS AND MATRICES 213
directly to concepts B and C, but not directly related to concept D; and that concept
A is indirectly related to concept C through concept B, and to concept D through
concept C and through concepts B and C. Concept B is related directly…and so
on! By mapping, we can express in a few symbols what would otherwise take many
words.
As well as symbols representing points and relationships, we also have to provide
the information needed to interpret our maps. Take the diagrams in Figure 13.4 for
example. The diagram on the left might be taken for a rounded egg, or a slightly
flattened ball; perhaps a geographer might take it as globe. Without the interpretive
labels, no one (I presume) would take this as a map symbolizing the whole history
of the universe through time!
Incidentally, Hawking’s argument is that the universe can be both finite and
without boundaries; and that the origin and end of the universe can be singularities
(i.e. unique events) which nevertheless obey the laws of science. These ideas are
neatly conveyed in a diagram of a finite space without edges; and although twodimensional
or three-dimensional representations of four-dimensional space-time
may be inadequate in some respects, they do help to make intelligible concepts
which it might otherwise be difficult if not impossible to grasp.
If the whole history and future of the universe through time can be reduced to a
single ellipse, then we can certainly use simple graphic tools to express complex
ideas, especially as we can also add to our toolbox in useful ways.
We can introduce a variety of shapes to represent different types of concept. For
example, we can use squares to represent events, circles to represent people, ovals to
represent conditions. We can also use various thicknesses of line around boundaries
and use different patterns within them (Figure 13.5). The computer’s graphic
facilities make it easy to devise a range of symbols to represent various elements in