Begin to reflect on your subject by viewing it through a particular lens, such as how it compares to something else, what caused it or what effects it might have, or what challenges and difficulties you associate with it. Although some perspectives are likely to be better suited to your subject than others, try to look at your subject from more than one angle.

Explore processes. Thinking of something as a process can help you understand how it works as well as how it contributes to the context in which it takes place. For example, instead of reflecting on text-messaging as a social phenomenon, reflect on the processes involved in text-messaging. Ask how it works, what steps are involved in composing and sending a message, and how people understand and respond to messages.

Consider implications. Considering the implications of a subject can help you understand its impact and importance. You can ask questions such as what is likely to happen, what if such-and-such happens, what will happen when, and so on. As you reflect on implications, stay grounded: don’t get so carried away by speculation that you lose track of your reason for reflecting.

Examine similarities and differences. Use comparison and contrast to find points of connection for your subject. You might examine, for example, the similarities and differences between new communication technologies, such as e-mail and text-messaging, and older means of staying in touch, such as letter writing and passing notes in class. Or you might compare and contrast the ways in which people get to know one another, such as hanging out together, joining organizations, and dating.

Trace causes and effects. Thinking about causes and effects can help you better understand a subject. For example, you might reflect on the origins of complaints — some dating back to the ancient Greeks — that the latest generation of young people is not only impolite and uncultured but also likely to undo the accomplishments of previous generations. You might also reflect on the effects that this attitude has on relationships between the old and the young.

Consider value. Reflection often involves considering factors such as strengths and weaknesses, costs and benefits, and limitations and opportunities. For example, you might reflect on the relative strengths and weaknesses of a candidate for political office. Or you might weigh the costs and benefits of a proposed law to make the Internet safer for children. Similarly, you might consider the limitations and opportunities associated with proposals to increase funding for higher education.

Identify challenges and difficulties. Getting to the heart of an issue or idea often involves determining how it challenges your assumptions or values or identifying the nature of the difficulties it poses for you. For example, ask yourself why an idea bothers you, or ask why it might bother someone else.

Reflect on your experiences. As you reflect on your subject, search for connections to your own life. Ask whether your personal experiences would lead you to act in a particular way. Ask how they are likely to influence your reactions and attitudes. Ask whether you’ve found yourself in situations that are relevant to your subject.