Life Skills & Leadership: Unit 1, Session 5: Understanding Mental Models | Page 57 of 93“But relying on our mental models also means that we might make assumptions or ignore
information that would be helpful to us. For example, if someone’s mental model of a doctor is that
‘doctors are male,’ that person might have less respect for a doctor if he or she sees that the doctor
is a woman. Or someone might pay less attention to a mayor or community official who is very
young, if his/her mental model of a mayor is an older person.“We cannot stop using our mental models but we can slow down our thinking and decide whether
our mental model is accurate or whether we should add other information that is around us. For
example, your idea of what a Peace Corps Volunteer would be has probably changed after meeting
me [him or her].”- Invite people to ask questions about mental models or give other examples of mental models they
might have.
B. Summary
Summarize by saying:“It is very common for us to act upon our mental models without checking to see whether there is more
information we should include. As a result, our mental models frequently distort reality and may result
in unrealistic decisions. For the remainder of our time today, we’ll be learning more about mental
models, where they come from, and how to recognize them so we don’t make hasty decisions.”II. Information (30 minutes)
Materials:
Signs that read “Agree,” “Disagree,” and “Not Sure” posted at opposite ends of the learning space
Trainer Material 1: Agree or Disagree Statements
A. Values Continuum
Participants respond to a series of “agree” or “disagree” statements or situations by moving to the
appropriate side of the room that best expresses their values.
- Post a sign that says “Agree” at one end of the learning space and post one saying “Disagree” at the
opposite end. Put one between the two saying “Not Sure.” Say:
“I’d like to give you a chance to learn about your mental models and the mental models of the other
participants. I’m going to make a series of statements. You decide whether you agree or disagree and
move to stand by the appropriate sign. If you are not sure how you feel, you can stand at the middle
sign ‘Not Sure.’”- Read the first statement. Give people a moment to make their decision and move to the corresponding
sign. Say:
“There aren’t really any right or wrong answers because each of us has made our decision based upon
our own mental model – and everyone’s mental model will be a little bit different. But just look around