An Empirical Application of Mental Mapping to Analyze National Identity Among Ukrainian Students

Abstract

The paper focuses on the sociological adaptation and development of the mental mapping method within the study of national identity. ‘Mental map’ is defined as a spatial image or model formed over time in the individual or collective consciousness, while the method of mental mapping is interpreted as a graphic representation of a certain area by an informant at the request of a researcher. The study is based on the empirical application of mental mapping to the analysis of national identity among Ukrainian students ( n=942). The paper outlines methodological and theoretical specifics of mental mapping and indicates perspectives of this method in the context of a visual sociological paradigm.