KATHERINE BECKS
Kbanks
MentalModels2015.pptMental Models
THE FIFTH DISCIPLINE
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Mental Model – A Definition
- Mental Models are deeply ingrained assumptions, generalizations, or even pictures or images
- They influence how we understand the world
- They influence how we take action
- They are mostly subconscious
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Mental Models - Continued
- Mental models are necessary to survive, but are limiting because they require assumptions. Assumptions are not data, but rather are inferred from data. Therefore they are subject to error.
- For example, if my mental model of a particular individual is “they don’t care about their job,” then I might attach a lower priority to a request for help from them than a request from someone I perceive as “highly motivated.”
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Dealing with Mental Models
- Recognizing – leaps of abstraction
- Exposing – articulating what we normally don't say
- Balancing inquiry and Advocacy
- Facing up to espoused theories and theories in use
- Awareness keeps us open to new data and continuous paradigm revision.
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