Where do mental models come from?

The Ladder of Inference

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 Ladder of Inference
• We live in a world of self generating beliefs which
are largely untested.
• We adopt these beliefs based on conclusions inferred
from observations and experience.
• Our ability to achieve results is eroded by our
thinking that:
• Our beliefs are the truth
• The truth is obvious
• The data we select is the real data
• Our beliefs are based on this real data

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 Ladder of Inference

• Taking Action – based upon beliefs

• Adopting Beliefs – drawing conclusions about the world

• Adding Meaning – both personal and cultural

• Selective Attention – selecting data from available data and

experiences

• Observable Data – all data and experiences available