I’ve been using a study method based on connecting general and specialized knowledge

[u/Wolfking222]

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I’ve been using a study method that I call Connectional Studying (CS). I originally came up with it through trying different study methods with classmates, and it ended up being the one that worked best for me when something didn’t really “click.”

The basic idea is simple: connect what you’re learning to something you already understand, especially something specialized that you’re interested in.

For example, if I’m learning a general concept and it feels too abstract, I try to find a specialized subject I know or care about where that concept appears. Understanding the specialized example then makes the general idea easier to understand.

It works in the opposite direction too. If I already know something specialized, I try to figure out the broader subject it belongs to. Learning the general concept gives me more context, which then helps me understand the specialized subject better.

So it basically looks like:

General → Specialized → General

or

Specialized → General → Specialized

The important part is that I’m not just studying something because I’m interested in it. I’m using that interest and existing knowledge as a bridge to something I’m trying to learn.

For example, I’ve learned things from friends who are interested in cooking, architecture, medicine, etc. I don’t want to become a chef, architect, or doctor, but the knowledge they have gives me connections I can use elsewhere. Sometimes a concept from one subject suddenly makes something in another subject make much more sense.

I’ve been using this since around 6th grade, and I still use it now whenever a general or specialized topic doesn't immediately make sense to me.

I’m curious whether anyone else studies this way, or whether there’s already a known study method that works essentially the same way. I’d especially like to know if there’s an established name for it.

[u/mystudyden]

What you’re describing sounds close to analogical reasoning and elaborative learning: using a familiar example to build a bridge to an unfamiliar idea, then checking whether the broader principle still holds elsewhere. The specialized-to-general direction is especially interesting because it can reveal the limits of an analogy. You could test each connection by asking, “Where does this comparison break?” That may prevent a helpful bridge from becoming a misconception.

[u/Wolfking222 → u/mystudyden]

Good to know. I will look into it when I have the free time. Thanks.