Understanding Perspectives
This concept refers to the mental frameworks we use to interpret the world, shaped by our experiences and identities.
What are worldviews or perspectives
This type of bias leads us to favor information that confirms what we already believe.
What is confirmation bias?
This skill involves truly focusing on what someone is saying, rather than preparing your next argument.
What is active listening?
This strategy involves finding shared experiences or values to build a bridge between differing views.
What is finding common ground?
Constructive dialogue can be especially useful in these types of conversations, which often involve politics or identity.
What are difficult or polarized conversations?
The Perspectives Program encourages this skill, which involves actively trying to understand someone else’s experiences and viewpoints.
What is perspective-taking?
This mindset involves being open to new information and willing to revise your views.
What is intellectual humility?
Repeating or summarizing what someone has said to ensure you understand them correctly is called this.
What is paraphrasing or reflective listening?
This approach focuses on understanding rather than persuading, emphasizing curiosity over debate.
What is constructive dialogue?
These environments, such as college campuses, benefit from dialogue skills to foster inclusive and respectful communities.
What are educational or learning communities?
Recognizing that different people can look at the same information and reach different conclusions illustrates this key idea.
What is subjective interpretation / multiple perspectives?
This effect occurs when people are more likely to view members of their own group favorably and outsiders with suspicion.
What is in-group/out-group bias?
Asking questions that invite elaboration rather than yes/no answers is an example of this technique.
What are open-ended questions?
Setting mutual guidelines for conversation at the start is known as creating this.
What is establishing norms / a dialogue container?
Using CTI skills in conversations about controversial issues can reduce this social phenomenon where groups grow more extreme.
What is polarization?
This term refers to the psychological discomfort we feel when encountering information that challenges our beliefs.
What is cognitive dissonance?
The Perspectives Program challenges students to become aware of this automatic, often unconscious way of processing information.
What is implicit bias / System 1 thinking?
Using “I” statements rather than “you” statements helps reduce this type of defensive reaction.
What is defensiveness or escalation?
This technique involves slowing down the conversation to unpack assumptions and emotions before responding.
What is pausing and reflecting / meta-dialogue?
When discussing a disagreement at work or school, applying CTI strategies can help transform conflict into this.
What is productive engagement or learning opportunity?
CTI’s framework emphasizes understanding both your own perspective and the perspectives of others before moving to this stage of dialogue.
What is finding common ground?
Overestimating how much others agree with us is an example of this cognitive bias.
What is the false consensus effect?
Naming and acknowledging strong emotions during conversation without judgment is a component of this advanced skill.
What is emotional regulation / empathic acknowledgment?
The Perspectives Program suggests moving away from “winning” a debate and toward this kind of collaborative process.
What is co-creating understanding / collaborative problem-solving?
Practicing dialogue across political or cultural lines prepares individuals for participation in this larger social system.
What is a democratic society / civic engagement?