How do you approach studying a field that is completely unfamiliar to you?
That is, in a way that minimises picking up whatever bullshit myths and habits you'll have to eventually unlearn. Is there a way to build your knowledge step by step and have at least some insight to control your progress and to stop yourself going *completely* the wrong way (you know, bullshit frequently sounds rational and plausible… unless you know it isn't or your intuition is great)?
Is this even possible?
For the most of life I've been learning stuff through trial and pain. It works but I've had just as much to *unlearn* in the process as I would learn. Maybe there is a better way.
Imagine you're lost in unfamiliar terrain. How do you find your way back to civilisation?
You could just head off towards the horizon, but you're likely to wander around in circles. A more sensible approach is to head for high ground, sketch out a rough map of the area and pick a few landmarks to get a bearing from.
When studying an unfamiliar subject, it's tempting to just start somewhere and plough ahead, or to pick and choose bits that seem interesting. A more productive approach is to take a broad survey of the topic, and identify key theoretical concepts.
Head to the library and peruse the relevant Dewey section. Pick out a couple of introductory textbooks, read the preface, skim through the headings and take notes. Contact some experts in the field and ask the crucial question "what do you wish you had learned sooner?".
When you do start studying properly, make sure to continually test yourself to prevent superficial knowledge from creating the illusion of competence. Summarise what you're learning for a real or imaginary person - if you can't coherently explain something to a layman, you probably don't understand it properly. Look for opportunities to use your new knowledge in a practical way.
I'm having similar struggles having done hard science for the past six years and now I'm doing a postgraduate degree on technology management and process innovation. I'm having to change my approach and the way I think.
