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
First of all, no one is always right. As long as logical reasoning is based on factual evidence, we should show respect. If there are opposing opinions, as long as the author has explained the reasoning process in detail, it is acceptable to point out logical errors based on the facts. This is a process of mutual learning, and the correctness of individual initial conclusions is not important. What matters is that the argument must follow rigorous logic. However, if there is no logical reasoning and direct conclusions are made, 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 impact, hindering the efforts of everyone to seek knowledge.
In the Internet age, new information spreads globally instantly. The factors that determine whether cognition is correct no longer depend on physical distance, but on the efficiency of information retrieval and the ability to analyze and summarize.
Subscribing to reliable sources of information is very important.
For example, how would I get started in psychology?#
- Search for psychology-related books and reading lists in WeChat Reading.
- Search for psychology on Baidu Baike.
- Watch psychology-related content on Bilibili.
Among them, the psychology books found in WeChat Reading provide introductory/systematic knowledge of psychology, but they mostly focus on specific areas. Baidu Baike provides comprehensive, encyclopedic overviews, but it may not have the specific knowledge I am looking for, and I do not fully recognize its authority in certain aspects. Bilibili provides two types of psychology knowledge: university psychology courses and popular science knowledge from 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 may feel at a loss.
On the one hand, there is no end to collecting information. For example, when you learn about the keyword "user experience," you may come across the concept of "user experience map" from a search engine, and then you will endlessly extend your learning, wanting to have a comprehensive understanding. When you first encounter a field, the desire to know everything is quite strong. On the other hand, when faced with a large amount of collected information, we may not know how to start, which is a difficult problem. How to connect the collected information, how to plan a reasonable learning path, is even more challenging. Even if you choose a specific topic to start learning, you may end up learning a lot but still unable to form your own knowledge structure.
Just like we need to outline our writing before we start writing, before systematically learning about a new field, we should organize and collect the information we have gathered, form our own knowledge framework and learning path, and then learn in an orderly manner. Without a knowledge framework, we are just receiving fragmented information, making it difficult to truly understand the field and apply what we have learned.
Of course, we must not fall into the trap of "only focusing on frameworks" and "only thinking in terms of underlying principles." The sole and ultimate purpose of a framework is to assist learning. Being obsessed with learning frameworks and underlying principles every day is not productive. 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 discussion.
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 familiarize yourself with the concepts. We need to have a broad perspective when collecting information. After collecting the information, categorize it carefully and organize a rough structure. It may only provide some general directions and may not form a systematic framework. The various knowledge and skills may seem unrelated, but don't worry, just list them out and do a simple organization and consolidation. The task at this step is to grasp as much information as possible, with the goal of getting an initial understanding of the field. It's best to have an overview of the entire "elephant" rather than just focusing on one leg. Try to depict the complete picture of the "elephant" and leave the details, such as how many teeth the elephant has, for later.
Refine the Knowledge Framework#
After establishing a relatively extensive 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 a foundation for constructing the building of domain knowledge. After depicting the complete picture of the "elephant," we need to delve into the details. During the rough construction of the framework, we may encounter numerous concepts, and it is necessary to break down these concepts. At this stage, we can explore freely until no new concepts emerge. @[[MECE Analysis]]
Revise, Merge, and Establish Connections#
Examine 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 contextualized, understand how to apply the learned knowledge in problem-solving, and 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 topic 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 models, you have entered the realm of "professionalism."
Finally, Update the Knowledge Framework in Real Time According to Industry Changes#
Supplementing and updating the knowledge framework requires accumulation in practice and an open mindset. Regularly update and review your knowledge, capture useful information from fragmented sources, and find opportunities to expand and supplement the framework, keeping your 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 consume more and increase anxiety.