The Zoom Method: How to learn anything effectively

The Zoom Method: How to learn anything effectively

The perfect way to learn any subject

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3 min read

Introduction

The Zoom method is a learning technique that involves starting with a general theory or hypothesis and then zooming in on specific subtopics to understand their relationship to the larger concept. This method can be a powerful way to learn a subject effectively, as it allows you to understand the big picture and see how the different pieces fit together.

Methodology

To use the Zoom method, you can follow these steps:

  1. Start with a general theory or hypothesis: Begin by stating the general theory or hypothesis that you are trying to understand. This could be a broad concept or idea that serves as the foundation for the subject you are learning.

  2. Zoom in on specific subtopics: Once you have a general understanding of the subject, start zooming in on specific subtopics to understand their relationship to the larger concept. This could involve reading about or studying specific examples or case studies that illustrate how the subtopics fit into the bigger picture.

  3. Link the subtopics to the general theory: As you learn about each subtopic, try to understand how it relates to the general theory or hypothesis. This can help you see how the different pieces fit together and understand the subject more effectively. Most books, articles, and courses would not do this. Analyzing the link between your subtopic and the subject's main hypothesis is vital if you want to maximize your understanding of the subject.

  4. Repeat the process: Continue zooming in on specific subtopics and linking them to the general theory until you have a complete understanding of the subject.

By following the Zoom method, you can learn a subject more effectively by understanding the big picture and how the different pieces fit together.

Example

Let's take the following example:

Subject: Economics

General theory: The theory of economics explains how people make decisions about how to allocate scarce resources.

Now let us consider the subtopic "Supply and Demand": the relationship between the quantity of a good that is available and the quantity that people are willing to buy at a given price.

Analysis

By starting with the general theory of economics and zooming in on specific subtopics, you can understand how several concepts fit into the larger theory of economics and how they influence decision-making about resource allocation. This can help you understand the subject of economics more effectively and retain more of what you are learning.

Understanding the link

The theory of economics explains how people make decisions regarding the allocation of scarce resources. One important factor that influences these decisions is the supply and demand for goods and services. The supply of a good refers to the quantity of it that is available, while the demand refers to the quantity that people are willing to buy at a given price.

When the supply of a good is high and the demand is low, the price tends to be lower, as sellers must lower the price to entice buyers to purchase their goods. Conversely, when the supply is low and the demand is high, the price tends to be higher, as buyers are willing to pay more to obtain the goods.

The link in this scenario is that supply and demand affect the price of a good. Since this price ultimately determines whether a producer produces a good and hence allocates resources into production, the link has been established:

The above diagram establishes the link between the subtopic and the general theory. Creating similar block diagrams is a great way to understand how different subtopics relate to each other and the main, overarching theory of the subject.

By understanding the relationship between supply and demand, you can better understand how decisions about resource allocation are influenced by the availability and desirability of goods and services. This understanding can help you more effectively understand the main theory of economics and retain more of what you are learning.

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