Mike Jay wrote:
> John posed the question, yet, unless I missed something, everyone accepted
> the convention--the assumption--that there is a difference between
> assumptions and mental models?
an interesting point, Mike--and I can't speak for everyone, but I didn't
accept the convention based on the question John posed. I simply see a
distinction between the two--and found it difficult to provide a
simplified explanation of the distinction. I used to write training
curriculum for a 6th grade reading level (which at the time was the
standard ability of adults going through military training). So when John
asked the question, I "assumed" the request for an explanation in simple
English inferred a need for it to be written at 6th grade level. My mental
models, or cognitive pathways, for writing have changed considerably--I
just don't think I can do that any more, though I gave it a feeble
attempt.
I found it amusing, though, given the topic, that you "zipped over the
ladder of inference" in your response.
regards,
Doc
-- "The familiar life horizon has been outgrown, the old concepts, ideals and emotional patterns no longer fit, the time for the passing of a threshold is at hand." -Joseph CampbellDuring this holiday season, please remember to give your time and money to those organizations that serve your neighbors. If you live in South Puget Sound, consider volunteering as a phone worker with the Crisis Clinic--or contribute in any other way that you may. May life's blessings be with you.
Richard C. "Doc" Holloway Your partner for workforce development Visit me at http://www.thresholds.com/community/learnshops/index.html Or e-mail me at <mailto:learnshops@thresholds.com> Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2361 Phone: 01 360 786 0925 Olympia, WA 98507 USA Fax: 01 360 709 4361
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