Debate guidelines, cognition, and how to quickly get started in a new field
date: November 21, 2022
slug: 10
status: Published
tags: Weekly Report
type: Post
Firstly, no one is always right, as long as rational logical deduction is based on factual evidence, we should give respect. If there are opposing opinions, since the author has already explained the reasoning process in detail, it is acceptable to point out logical errors based on the specific matter. This is a process of mutual discussion, and the correctness of individual initial conclusions is not important. What is important is that the argumentation must follow rigorous logic. However, if logical deduction is not done and conclusions are drawn directly, it is just empty slogans and a waste of everyone's time. If one is too lazy to even describe the conclusion and resorts to personal attacks, such a person not only contributes nothing but also has a negative presence, hindering the efforts of everyone to seek knowledge.
In the Internet age, with instant global dissemination of new information, the factor determining the depth of cognition is no longer the physical distance, but rather the efficiency of information search and the ability to analyze and summarize.
Subscribing to reliable sources is very important.
For example, if I want to get started in psychology, what would I do?#
- Search for psychology-related books and reading lists on WeChat Reading.
- Search for psychology on Baidu Baike.
- Watch psychology-related knowledge on Bilibili.
Among them, the psychology books retrieved from WeChat Reading provide introductory/systematic knowledge of psychology, but they are mostly vertical knowledge in a specific field. Baidu Baike provides comprehensive, encyclopedic overviews, which may not have the knowledge I am looking for, and I do not fully recognize its authority in certain aspects. The psychology knowledge available on Bilibili can be roughly divided into two types: university psychology online courses and psychology popularization knowledge by content creators.
In short, before getting started in a field, we will obtain a large amount of information. Faced with this content, if we lack sufficient motivation, we will feel at a loss.
On one hand, collecting information is endless. For example, when you learn about the keyword "user experience," you may come across the concept of "user experience map" from a search engine, which leads to endless extensions. When you first encounter a field, you may have a strong desire to have a comprehensive understanding. On the other hand, when dealing with a large amount of collected information, you may not know where to start. It is a difficult problem to connect the collected information and plan a reasonable learning path. Even if you choose a specific knowledge point to start learning, you may end up learning a lot without forming your own knowledge structure.
Just like how we need to outline before writing, before systematically learning knowledge in a new field, we should first organize the collected information, form our own knowledge framework and learning path, and then learn in an orderly manner. Without a knowledge framework, we are just accepting fragmented information, making it difficult to truly understand the field and apply what we have learned.
Of course, we should not fall into the trap of "only framework theory" and "only bottom-up thinking theory." The sole and ultimate purpose of a framework is to assist learning. Being obsessed with learning frameworks and bottom-up thinking every day is not advisable. After all, building a tall building from the ground up requires the cooperation of frameworks and fillers.
I mentioned this concept in a previous weekly talk.
How to build a knowledge framework?#
Determine the scope of search, collect information extensively, and establish a preliminary structural framework#
Collect a large amount of information, sort out the knowledge and skills needed in the field, and have a general understanding of the knowledge points. The task at this stage is to grasp as much information as possible, aiming to have an initial understanding of the field. It is best to have a bird's-eye view of the elephant rather than focusing on one leg. Try to depict the overall picture of the elephant and leave the details for later.
Refine the knowledge framework#
After establishing a relatively large knowledge framework, we need to carefully examine it and refine it. This stage is more critical than the building process because it determines the breadth and depth of our understanding of the field. It serves as the foundation for constructing the building of domain knowledge. After depicting the overall picture of the elephant, we need to delve into the details. During the rough construction of the framework, we may encounter many concepts that need to be broken down. At this stage, we can explore freely until no new concepts emerge. @[[MECE Analysis Method]]
Revise, merge, and establish connections#
Organize the connections between knowledge points, link similar and related knowledge points together. Based on this framework and the collected information, we can plan a learning path and study plan that suits ourselves.
Learn and apply#
Learning goes without saying, but pay attention to where the acquired knowledge fits into the overall knowledge framework.
Application:
Next, we need to find application scenarios, combine them with examples, which can come from our own practice or observations. We need to make the knowledge concrete and contextualize it, knowing how to apply the learned knowledge to solve problems. Only then can we truly internalize the knowledge. In this process, you will find that some problems have commonalities. Although they are different, they can be solved using the same method. At this point, the theme can be abstracted into a model, which includes the knowledge and the connections between them, as well as the solutions to specific scenarios. The model we output is the application of the knowledge framework. We will have a large number of our own knowledge "models," which are the true representation of internalized knowledge. When you can output models and solve problems from the perspective of the model, you have entered the realm of "professionalism."
Lastly, update the knowledge framework in real-time according to industry changes#
To supplement and update the knowledge framework, we need to accumulate experience in practice and maintain an open mindset. Regularly update and review our knowledge, capture useful information from fragmented sources, and find opportunities to expand and supplement the framework. This will keep our knowledge framework and content fresh and alive.
- How to handle the difference between "being proactive" and "overstepping authority" in administrative work.
- How to handle the difference between personal interests and professional direction.
- How to deal with negative evaluations from others. [[Reference opinions]]
Spiritual nourishment is something that allows you to sleep peacefully or gather the courage to continue living, not spiritual opium. There is no spiritual nourishment in digital devices; they only make you want to see more and make you more anxious.