#TalkThree 03: How to Use an Abstract Model?

Three examples of using the “Relevance of Zone” model

The above diagram is called “the Relevance of Zone” which is an Abstract Model. It considers four keywords: Self, Other, Thing, and Think. It was inspired by the iART Framework and the Typology of Relevance.

You can find more details about the model in Mapping Thematic Space #5: The “Relevance” Thematic Space.

This is a typical Abstract Model because it doesn’t describe any concrete practical social practice.

I often use Abstract Model and Concrete Model to discuss Knowledge Frameworks. What’s the difference between these two types of frameworks?

• Abstract Models are more abstract than Concrete Models. Abstract Models (aModel) are high-level models which connect theoretical approaches with special domains. Concrete Models (cModel) are lower-level models with details for directly guiding domain practice.
• Abstract Models tend to use Theoretical concepts while Concrete Models tend to use ordinary words as Operational Concepts. Theoretical Concepts are adopted from Meta-theory or Specific Theory. Some frameworks don’t associate with any theories, they only have operational concepts. Operational Concepts are framework-dependent concepts for guiding research and reflection.