Conceptual Discovery Matrix

Conceptual Discovery Matrix
Replace "X" with your topic, and think about it from the following perspectives:

Explore X in...
View X
as a... "Contrast"
distinctive features
"Variation"
acceptable differences
"Distribution"
place in larger context

Particle
unchanging,
clear boundaries How does X differ from other similar things? What creates its unique identity? What is the range of variation within X's? What types or varieties of X are there? In what situations or locations do you find X?

Wave
dynamic,
blurred boundaries What makes X recognizable? How does X blend into, or merge with, similar things? How does X change or develop over time? How may the life cycles of X's vary? What are the changing contexts that give X its meaning and importance?

Field
holistic system
of subsystems What parts make up X? What is the core function of X? What is its core purpose? What are its subsystems? How may the functions and purposes of X change and vary? What roles does X play as a subsystem within larger systems?

Based on the "Tagmemic Discovery Matrix" in Rhetoric: Discovery and Change by Young, Becker and Pike (1970)

Back to: My Home Page

Explore X in... View X as a...	"Contrast" distinctive features	"Variation" acceptable differences	"Distribution" place in larger context
Particle unchanging, clear boundaries	How does X differ from other similar things? What creates its unique identity?	What is the range of variation within X's? What types or varieties of X are there?	In what situations or locations do you find X?
Wave dynamic, blurred boundaries	What makes X recognizable? How does X blend into, or merge with, similar things?	How does X change or develop over time? How may the life cycles of X's vary?	What are the changing contexts that give X its meaning and importance?
Field holistic system of subsystems	What parts make up X? What is the core function of X? What is its core purpose?	What are its subsystems? How may the functions and purposes of X change and vary?	What roles does X play as a subsystem within larger systems?