What are visual images that help organize information and consolidate concepts called?

Visual images that help organize information and consolidate concepts are referred to as models. Models serve as representations of complex ideas or systems, allowing learners to visualize relationships and structures that may be difficult to comprehend in a more abstract form. They can encapsulate theories, processes, or concepts, making them easier to understand and remember.

While diagrams, graphs, and charts can also be used to present information clearly, they each serve slightly different functions. For instance, diagrams often depict relationships or flow between elements, graphs illustrate numerical data and trends, and charts organize data into categories for comparison. In contrast, models integrate various elements into a singular visual representation, facilitating a deeper understanding of how those elements interact within a broader context. This capability to synthesize complex information is what distinguishes models from the other types of visual aids mentioned.