As Einstein said, "Everything should be as simple as possible...but no simpler."

The fact is that some topics REQUIRE complex answers. When you start actually designing real electronics, you'll find there are no "multiple choice" answers.

Get used to it.

Eric

 

I rarely answer in the homework section because I'm not good at striking a balance between oversimplified and overcomplicated. I would sooner solve their homework problem than be able to explain it to them. That, and the questions in the homework section are usually over my head.

As far as questions that come up in other sections, I try to take the stance of "the simpler the better".

 

As Einstein said, "Everything should be as simple as possible...but no simpler."

Appropriate quote!

I've also noticed that everything is difficult before you understand it, and then seems quite simple after you understand it. It took Einstein 10 years of constant work to figure out General Relativity. So, one of the world's greatest geniuses, who was 20 years ahead of his time, went through the complex process of working out the underlying principles of his theory. Yet in hindsight, Generaly Relativity is relatively (pun intended) simple to understand, at least in principle. Any senior level undergrad student in engineering or physics can learn it in one semester.

I'll bet that many explanations are given with the thought that the answer isn't really that complicated. Yet, to the person asking a quesiton, the answer may seem very complex. In learning anything, there is that moment of epiphony where all the complexity coalesces into a neatly ordered simple framework. Those who truly love to learn, live for those moments.

 

I too suffer from the homework questions being over my head! I'm getting old.

 

I find that everything is difficult until you start to apply it...

 

While not a homework forum thread, I think I quite like this direct approach to answering some of those more frustrating questions ...

http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/showpost.php?p=505718&postcount=2

 

another good approach is to check your assumptions

p.s. "Engineers like to solve problems. If there are no problems handily available, they will create their own problems."

 

Perhaps a lack of proper perspective is partly to blame.

I find I have an easier time answering homework-help questions because I usually know exactly what the simplifying assumptions are based on my own recent experiences as a student in the same courses. On the other hand, I rarely feel qualified to even attempt an answer for anything in the electronics-chat and project-forum due to my lack of practical expereience - there is always some important detail or trick that I don't yet know (I certainly learn a lot reading those forums).

Zazoo

 

Thanks to you all. I needed to take inventory rather than just feeling annoyed by assuming there is always a show-off with no regard for the mind-f*** he was doing to the beginners. I/we can respond better now that we have examined the problem.

 

One other thing I thought about ...

It is annoying when a 3rd year whatever is asking for advice on their project. The typical thought is "when I was ..." as if someone's experience years ago is still applicable. It may be true if both were at the same school or course of instruction, but not revelant worldwide. If it were "harvard grads" would be making the same as a "fourth wold college grad". We know that isn't the reality of the situation.

I want to thank everyone who participates in this forum. I want to thank them for their contributions to this thread and the self-induced inventory processing everyone has done. Thanks to #12 for starting the thread.

 

I generally try to assist the OP by asking a series of simple questions that will lead them to the answer one step at a time. I also try to stress the understanding and application of fundamental concepts along the way. I frequently ask them to describe their math and electronics level and background.

I know that I can get pulled off into minutia and, to some degree, that is a risk of trying to stress the fundamentals. But I just don't see that giving simple, direct answers that don't require the OP to think a bit is helping them all that much in the long run.

But perhaps I am wrong in that and am doing nothing but confusing them. That is not my intent, but it if it having that effect then I should certainly stop.

 

Asking the OP to clarify their education level and what they want the circuit to do is a very good way of determining how to address them on the proper intellectual level. It's a good way to determine whether a simple, direct answer is the right thing to do. I can find no fault with that.

The Homework section almost always requires you not to give a simple, direct answer. I find no fault with that.

Explaining Einstein's theories about space-time to a student charging a capacitor makes me want to tear my hair out.

 

WBahn,

I don't see anything wrong with your approach. It will provide the OP with some requsites so they can proceed further. I realize some have a learn it and forget it mantra ... and not the building blocks they were meant to be. Your approach re-enforces the building blocks.