Procedure
Step 1: Identify the topic category to be analyzed.
Step 2: On an overhead transparency or on the chalkboard, list in a column some words/phrases related to the topic category.
Step 3: List in a row across the top of the chart some features shared by some of the words/phrases.
Step 4: Model with students an analysis of each related word/phrase in terms of each feature. Put plus or minus signs beside each word/phrase beneath each feature according to the appropriate relationship.
Step 5: Brainstorm with students for additional words/phrases that may be added to the row.
Step 6: Brainstorm with students for additional features that may be added to the row.
Step 7: Complete with students this expanded matrix with plus and minus signs.
Step 8: Discover and discuss with students the uniqueness of each word.
Example 1: Science
This example is from a fourth-grade science class.
1. A category is selected (types of rocks).
2. Some words within the category are listed in a column. In this example, the words include granite, obsidian, limestone, coal, shale, slate, and gneiss.
3. Some features shared by some of the words are listed in a row across the top of the chart. In this example, formed by fire, changed by heat or pressure, and formed from other rocks are listed.
4. Plus and minus signs are placed beside each word beneath each feature (see chart).
5. Additional words are added (e.g., basalt, sandstone).
6. Additional features are added (e.g., with large crystals, black, containing fossils ).
7. The matrix is completed with plus and minus signs.
8. The words are discussed so that students see how the words are similar as well as how they differ. (e.g., Granite is a rock that has large crystals and is formed by fire.)
Example1: Semantic Feature Analysis for Types of Rocks
Rock Formed Changed Formed
by by by by by
by Fire Heat Other
and Rocks
Pressure
sure
granite + - -
obsidian + - -
limeston - - +
e
coal - - +
shale - - +
slate - + -
gneiss - + -