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Concrete and Abstract Thinking: Build a Principle and Test Its Limits

Summary

Learn to move between concrete examples and abstract principles, preserve case evidence, test exceptions, and turn a useful principle into a defined change.

Published

Test a General Principle against Different Conditions

Abstraction identifies common features across concrete examples. After forming a principle, test it in another situation and examine its applicable conditions.

One experience cannot establish a universal rule. Move between examples and principles to develop both the explanation and the action.

Record Similarities and Differences between Cases

For missing intake information, record the field and instruction location across cases. Similar returned requests may have different causes.

GOV.UK analysis groups observations to find patterns. (GOV.UK: Analysing research) Retain the underlying cases when identifying common features.

Give the Principle Conditions and Exceptions

For a principle of showing requirements early, state which users can prepare them. People without that information may need another intake route.

Investigate contrary cases and revise the principle. Supporting examples alone can overstate its scope.

Translate the Principle into an Actual Action

Specify the change, such as publishing required fields and how to obtain the information before intake. Evaluate missing data under comparable conditions afterward.

Include eligibility and exceptions in public instructions, explaining actual actions alongside the general principle.

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Frequently asked questions

Q: Does abstraction mean using difficult words?

A: No. It identifies shared features and can be expressed plainly.

Q: Can one case suggest a principle?

A: Yes as a provisional idea, to test against other cases and exceptions.

Q: What about a contrary example?

A: Examine conditions and revise the principle or its scope.

Q: How does this apply to work?

A: Translate the principle into a defined change and examine the result.

Sources

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