365 Step 3 – Test your concept
In this chapter you will learn:- how to distinguish between those characteristics that are essential
to the concept and those that are merely accidental; - how to create a clear structure for the concept, which you can then
use to catch the relevant ideas and evidence as you research the
topic; - how to test and refine your original analysis of the concept to uncover
subtle distinctions and shades of meaning, for which you will earn
high marks.
Now that you have your concept clearly analysed in a structure, it’s
time to test it. Like Semmelweis with his hypothesis, you may have the
overall structure broadly right, but there may be details that are wrong,
or subtle distinctions you haven’t seen. When Semmelweis formulated
his hypothesis he thought he and his students should disinfect their
hands by washing them in a solution of chlorinated lime each time they
came out of the autopsy room. In fact he was right about this, but it’s
quite possible he might have discovered, after testing it, that this was
ineffective and another solution was needed.
In much the same way, by testing your concept you will shake out
those characteristics that are essential and ditch those that are only
accidental to it. In the process you will have sharpened up your under-
standing of the core characteristics. As a result you’ll have a fairly well
defined structure to catch the relevant ideas and evidence as you
research the topic, and in most questions you’ll probably find that you
already have the broad structure on which you’ll be able to build the
plan of your essay.HTW5 7/26/01 8:50 PM Page 36