How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Models

Explanations > Models

In making sense of the complex world, we build simplified internal models that help us understand and explain. These may also tell us what to do.

• Types of Model: How it works, How to do it, Abstraction
• Framing: The lens through which we see things.
• Frame of Reference: How we perceive things.
• Games: Repeating patterns of behaving.
• Coping Mechanisms: Patterns of handling difficulties.
• Life Scripts: Stories of our whole lives.
• Mental Models: Business oriented view.
• Personal Construct Theory: Constructs as models.
• Process Scripts: Six internal patterns.
• Schema: Basic models.
• Scripts: The plays in our life.
• Social Representation Theory: Building shared models.
• Stereotypes: Negative schema about others.

Of course all these descriptions of models are models themselves. In fact it is difficult to describe any model without using models.

So what?

Understand the models that people use, recognizing them as the maps that they use to find their way and guides for how to interact with the world. If you can change a person's models then you can change how they perceive the world and hence how they behave in a range of situations.

See also

Beliefs, Values