Each person holds mental models based on their knowledge and experience that inform how they interpret the world. Being aware of these different perspectives and using them as strengths when looking at data can help an improvement team build shared understanding.
The resource below summarizes the “ladder of inference,” first introduced by psychologist, business theorist and professor Chris Argyris. The ladder of inference describes the thinking processes that humans go through as they take in information, process it, and draw conclusions that lead to decisions or action. When applied in the context of analyzing data with a group, the concept helps a team be aware of and slow their thinking processes to identify assumptions, explore alternate interpretations, and make meaning together. The discussion protocol offered below is one way to structure a group conversation to do this.
- Download the Making Sense of Data Quick Reference
- Download the Data Protocol handout
Related Resources
Tools for Understanding User Experience and Perspective
