The conclusions we make typically reinforce our beliefs, which will in turn influence the facts we choose to select from our observations. This means that we will ignore certain facts and focus on bathe facts that are in alignment with our beliefs. This means that the conclusions that we will draw and resultant actions will not be objective but rather biased because we let our beliefs influence what we see. This is why perception is subjective and two people looking at the same situation can draw two totally different conclusions of it.
To avoid making biased decisions we can use the ladder of inference to track back to our beliefs and evaluate how they influence our observations and conclusions. By going back to the previous step and questioning your conclusions, you can identify loopholes in your reasoning and thoughts and in effect evaluate your conclusions and assumptions. We will often jump to conclusions quickly in the process missing important facts and ultimately making bad decisions.
Applying the ladder of inference can help you follow a logical reasoning process that will enhance the effectiveness of your reasoning and lead to better decisions.
To limit the influence of our personal beliefs on the assumptions and conclusions we make, we can make a conscious effort to challenge our instinctive reactions by;
● Increasing our level of self-awareness which can be achieved by taking the time to analyze our emotions and thoughts and what triggers them.
● Increasing our level of social awareness by; this taking time to recognize and understand the views, emotions, and attitudes of others Changing our belief systems and developing new thought patterns by developing our set of mental models is the most effective method to shape our realities through our actions and behaviour. Mental models in psychology are ideas and thinking concepts that we can apply to increase our aptitude for solving problems and generating ideas.
