Very often you'll find yourself in a situation in which you need to sort out the similarities and differences among a group of events, people, objects or ideas. A technique that can help you do that is called Semantic Feature Analysis. Semantic Feature Analysis uses a grid to help you explore how a set of things are related to one another. By analyzing the grid you'll be able to see connections, make predictions and master important concepts. You'll also realize things that you don't know yet, so you'll know what additional research you need to do.
Procedure Identify the general topic to be analyzed.
Make a list of typical examples or ideas related to the topic. On an overhead transparency, chalkboard, sheet of paper, or within a computer program begin a sample chart. Put five to 10 of the elements in your list across the top row of the chart. Make a list in the leftmost column of the grid some features or characteristics that some of the elements might have. If you don't know, leave it blank.