Ladder of Inference

USEFUL VIDEO FOR UNDERSTANDING LADDER OF INFERENCE: TEDEd video - Rethinking Thinking

The Ladder of Inference is a concept developed by the late Harvard Professor Chris Argyris and popularized by Peter Senge, it describes the thinking process that we go through, usually without realizing it, to get from a fact to a decision or action.

  • Starting at the bottom of the ladder (see image below), we have reality and facts. From there, we:
  • Experience these selectively based on our beliefs and prior experience.
  • Interpret what they mean.
  • Apply our existing assumptions, sometimes without considering them.
  • Draw conclusions based on the interpreted facts and our assumptions.
  • Develop beliefs based on these conclusions.
  • Take actions that seem "right" because they are based on what we believe.

This can create a vicious circle. Our beliefs have a big effect on how we select from reality, and can lead us to ignore the true facts altogether. Soon we are literally jumping to conclusions – by missing facts and skipping steps in the reasoning process.

By using the Ladder of Inference, you can learn to get back to the facts and use your beliefs and experiences to positive effect, rather than allowing them to narrow your field of judgment. Following this step-by-step reasoning can lead you to better results, based on reality, so avoiding unnecessary mistakes and conflict.

The key, though, is that climbing the ladder of inference starts with "low-inference" observations so that you can make meaning, draw conclusions and take action based on real evidence rather than your bias which leads to faulty conclusions.

Sources:

Senge, P. (2000). Schools That Learn: A Fifth Discipline Fieldbook for Educators, Parents, and Everyone Who Cares about Education. New York: Doubleday.

Argyris, C. (1982). The executive mind and double-loop learning. Organizational dynamics, 11(2).

Mind Tools (August 4, 2016) The ladder of inference: Avoiding "jumping to conclusions." Retrieved from: https://www.mindtools.com

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