The Fundamental Questions Method: Asking Basic Questions Leads You To Answers
Learn faster and boost recall by building knowledge by answering basic questions.
Memorizing facts and regurgitating them may help us get through exams, but does it truly foster a deep understanding of the subject matter? Is it preparing us to tackle real-world problems? Do we have to rely on the latest thinking frameworks to unlock deeper understanding of a topic?
I would argue that you don’t necessarily need to remember elaborate and modern learning frameworks to improve your understanding of a topic. Employing a practice that is natural to us humans.
There’s an alternative approach to learning that takes us beyond the surface level and allows us to delve into the depths of knowledge.
Let’s call it the Fundamental Questions Method (FQM) — a methodology that encourages students to approach learning through investigation and asking the most basic questions.
Importance of Questions
The method challenges conventional methods of learning by emphasizing the importance of going back to the basics.
Instead of rushing through the material, students are encouraged to pause and ask fundamental questions that lay the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
By re-asking or re-framing the questions, you can go as deep as you need to in order to understand the subject.
Finding out the answers to the why, what, who, when, and how questions is the most crucial part of FQM and the starting point of the framework.
By asking “why,” students unlock the purpose and significance behind the information they are learning. This not only fosters curiosity but also develops critical thinking skills. When students understand why a particular concept or topic is essential, they are more inclined to engage with it on a deeper level, placing it within a broader context.
Furthermore, asking “what” encourages students to explore the expectations and outcomes associated with the subject matter. It helps clarify the desired learning objectives, enabling students to set goals and evaluate their progress effectively. Understanding what is expected of them cultivates a sense of ownership, motivation, and accountability in their learning journey.
Asking “who” creates an understanding of the entities, people, and groups involved in the subject matter. It helps students recognize the various perspectives, expertise, and influences that shape the subject’s development.
By identifying the key players, students gain a more comprehensive understanding of the broader ecosystem in which their learnings operate.
Other basic questions help us find out “what,” “why,” “who,” and “when” about a subject, but “how” can tell us about the tools and plans we need to put it into action or help us see how something is put together or how it works.
Let’s explore the importance of these fundamental questions and how they empower students to develop a holistic understanding of the subject matter.
Socratic Method vs Fundamental Questions Method
The Socratic Method is a questioning approach where the instructor asks a series of leading questions to guide students to discover the answers to their own questions. This method is based on a philosophical approach and helps students to develop their critical thinking skills while relying on their reasoning abilities.
On the other hand, the Fundamental Questions Method provides a scaffolding for learners to identify and analyze different types of questions related to a specific topic.
It provides a set of core questions that allow the learners to explore deeper questions by framing them in a context that encourages them to develop inquiries that promote creative thoughts, higher-level thinking and hypothesis generation.
While both approaches encourage active questioning and critical thinking, they differ in terms of process and structure.
How Does Fundamental Question Method Work?
The method or framework operates through a process of exploration, analysis, and synthesis. It begins by encouraging students to pose foundational questions such as “why,” “what,” “who,” and “when.” These questions serve as pathways to deepening understanding and critical thinking.
At its core, the technique encourages students to ask basic questions to uncover the underlying principles and concepts of a given subject. It goes beyond memorization and superficial understanding, aiming to build a solid foundation for continuous learning and critical thinking.
Asking “why” prompts students to uncover the underlying purpose and significance of the subject matter. It encourages them to explore the motives, causes, and implications, fostering a deeper appreciation for the content and its broader context.
Asking “what” guides students to identify the learning objectives and outcomes associated with the subject matter. This clarity helps focus their efforts, establish goals, and evaluate their progress effectively. It ensures that students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills, aligned with their educational journey.
Asking “who” enables students to recognize the individuals, organizations, and communities involved in the subject matter. By understanding the various perspectives and expertise, students gain a broader view of the subject, fostering collaboration and networking opportunities.
Other basic questions help us find out “what,” “why,” “who,” and “when” about a subject, but “how” can tell us about the tools and plans we need to put it into action or help us see how something is put together or how it works.
The technique also encourages students to explore the element of time by asking “when.” This temporal context provides historical insights, illuminating the subject’s evolution and contemporary relevance.
By engaging with these fundamental questions, students develop a holistic understanding of the subject matter, beyond surface-level learning. It fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a comprehensive view, enabling students to approach learning with depth and understanding.
Asking Why Questions
The 5-Whys method is something that most of us have heard of. It is a common way to solve problems and find out what caused them. It was first used in the Toyota production system and has since spread to many other fields and industries.
When approaching a topic, it is important to ask a series of “Why” questions to get a better understanding and find out what is really important. When we ask, “Why is this topic important?” we dig into the main reasons why it is important and look at what it means on many different levels.
By asking multiple “Why” questions, we can also find out what is driving the topic, how it affects society, and what benefits or drawbacks it might have. This line of questioning helps us connect with the topic on a deeper level and see how important it is in a bigger picture.
In the same way, asking “Why does the phenomenon happen?” lets us find out what causes a certain phenomenon or occurrence. It makes us want to dig deeper and figure out what is going on, what is causing it, and what is making it worse.
By asking “Why?” over and over again, we can get a full picture of the underlying mechanisms and processes that cause the phenomenon. This lets us go beyond simple observations and gives us the ability to analyze, predict, and maybe even change or lessen the effect of the phenomenon in question. Through a series of “Why” questions, we peel back layers of understanding, which encourages critical thinking and gives us a deeper understanding of the subject.
What? Asking the What Question
Expectations and outcomes play a significant role in the technique.
By asking “what,” students explore the desired learning objectives and outcomes associated with the subject matter. This helps set a clear direction and purpose for their studies, enabling them to focus their efforts on relevant aspects and identify gaps in their understanding.
History is another essential facet of the framework. By tracing the origins and evolution of a subject, students gain insight into its development over time. Understanding the historical context provides a broader perspective and allows students to appreciate the influences, advancements, and changes that have shaped the subject into what it is today.
Who is Involved?
The FQM acknowledges the importance of the various entities, people, and groups connected to the subject matter. This could be the inventor, mathematician, scientist or organization associated with the subject.
By asking “who,” students explore the individuals and organizations that contribute to the field, understanding their roles, perspectives, and expertise.
In many disciplines, there are influential figures who have made significant contributions and shaped the understanding of the subject. Learning about these key individuals not only provides context but also introduces students to diverse perspectives and approaches. It allows students to see the subject matter through different lenses, helping them develop a well-rounded understanding.
By putting names and faces with organizations and movements, you can better cement your understanding of the material.
The When Question: A Question of Time
Time plays a critical role in the technique. The question “when?” provides valuable context by establishing a time frame for the discussion.
Students can learn more about the subject’s development, its influences, its breakthroughs, and the cultural shifts that have shaped it over time by looking at the historical timeline.
Students who take the time to learn about the topic’s current significance will be better prepared to understand its current impact and potential future developments.
The How Question: Looking at the Inner Plumbing
By asking “How does it work?” or “How can it be done?,” we look into the practical steps and steps needed to reach a goal. This line of questioning helps us bridge the gap between theory and practice, giving us the power to put what we know into practice.
When we understand the “how” of a topic, we learn about methods, procedures, best practices, and step-by-step instructions that help us carry out the topic successfully. This helps us learn more and gives us the skills we need to use what we know in the real world.
Students who crave understanding the anatomy or the workings of the fundamental building blocks of the subject and want to understand the relationship of the parts and its interactions jump on the “how” questions.
They want to know the cause and effect of everything. They enjoy learning about systems and processes, as it gives them a sense of control over their environment.
These students are natural problem solvers who like figuring out solutions to complex problems. When they engage with the “how” question, it can lead them to ask and revisit questions such as: Why did this happen? How can we prevent similar mistakes in the future? What is causing this output or result?
The Takeaway
Going beyond the basics and investigating the questions that underpin any field of study is the key to understanding its depths. A powerful strategy for education, the “fundamental questions framework” promotes curiosity, analysis, and in-depth comprehension.
By asking “why,” “what,” “who,” and “when,” we embark on a journey that uncovers the purpose, expectations, entities, and temporal context of the subject matter. This process fosters curiosity, develops critical thinking skills, and cultivates a holistic understanding.
The FQM can help us in many ways in our studies. It lets us go beyond memorizing facts by heart and repeating them, giving us the ability to understand ideas on a deep level. When we know the goal, expectations, and major players in a field, we can make connections and see the topic in a bigger picture.
Understanding the importance of time and historical context helps us see how a subject has changed over time and how it is still important today.
Let us use the technique to really improve the way we learn. As students, researchers, or people who just want to learn more, we can use this method on any subject to learn more about it, get better at critical thinking, and develop a desire to keep learning for the rest of our lives.
So, the next time you want to learn about something new, remember to stop, think, and ask the basic questions. Investigate the “why,” “what,” “who,” and “when” to gain perspective and comprehension. This method allows us to go beyond superficial knowledge and tap into more extensive stores of information, equipping us to solve practical problems and advance our fields.
Embrace the power of the Fundamental Questions Method. Your studies will never be the same again.
Thanks for reading!
I’m interested in topics and trends that intersect cognitive psychology, meta-learning, economics, and technology.
I also run a venture focused on innovation and commercialization of services that lifts humankind and heals our planet. If you have a big idea, visit me at signetscience.com to learn more.
