One way to learn is to ask yourself questions, and then to answer them — which usually leads to more questions. This question/answser style is sometimes called the method of inquiry and is based on the ideas of Socrates.

But what questions should you ask?

Here is a list of questions that can help you get started. It is not an exhaustive list. You should be able to come up with more questions that just these; but these will get you started.

The questions are arranged into four levels. You should start with level 1 questions and work your way to level 4 questions.

Given any concept, idea, or thing (e.g. free body diagrams, or staplers, or hospitals), just substitute it for XX in the questions.

• What is the definition of XX?
• How many definitions are there?
• Which definition(s) makes most sense to you?
• Who did/invented/discovered XX?
• When does XX occur?
• Under what circumstances does XX occur?
• When is XX supposed to be carried out?
• What is the environment in which XX exists, operates, or is used?
• How much or how many XX exist? Where?
• How is XX distributed?
• How does the amount of XX change in time?
• What is an example of XX? (Name them)

• How did XX happen, occur, or come to be?
• What causes XX to happen, occur, or come to be?
• What are the reasons for/that XX?
• What results from XX occuring or being used?
• What are the types of XX?
• How does XX function/work/occur?
• What are my own examples of XX?
• What is the relationship between XX and things in XX's environment?
• How does XX change things in XX's environment?
• How is XX similar/different from things in XX's environment?
• How is XX similar/different to things that do the same thing as XX?
• What does XX mean in context? (NOT just a definition)
• What conclusions can be drawn from the answers to these questions?
• What problems/conflicts/issues arise from the answers to these questions?
• What are the possible resolutions/solutions to the problems/conflicts/issues raised?
• What is the point (main argument or thesis) presented by XX?
• How is this argument developed?
• What evidence/proof/support is provided for this argument?
• What are alternative explanations/theories that have been developed by others?

• If XX were to occur, then what would happen in its environment or context?
• If XX were changed, then what else would change in its environment or context?
• What does theory XX predict will happen in a given environment or context?
• What hypothesis or theory explains the occurence or existence of XX in the given environment or context?

• Is XX good/bad? Why?
• Is XX correct/incorrect? Why?
• Is XX effective/ineffective? Why?
• Is XX relevant/irrelevant to some context? Why?
• Is XX logical/illogical in some context? Why?
• Is XX applicable/inapplicable in some context? Why?
• Is XX proven/unproven? Why? Proven with respect to what?
• Is XX ethical/unethical? Why?
• What are the advantages/disadvantages of XX? Why?
• What is the best solution to the problem/conflict/issue? Why?
• What should or should not happen? Why?
• Do I agree or disagree with XX? Why?
• What is my opinion? What support do I have for my opinion?