the ladder of inference

   The ladder of inference is a way that we draw conclusions, first proposed by Chris Argyris. The ladder of inference is seven rungs. The first rung is our observational data, the second rung is where we select what we think is important data, the third rung is where we add meaning, the fourth rung is where we make assumptions, the fifth rung is where we draw conclusions, the sixth rung is where we adopt beliefs, the last and seventh rung is where we take action. We can also create a loop with the first, observational data, and the seventh, take action, rungs. That also happens with the second, selecting data, and sixth, adopt beliefs, rungs. People believe that the ladder of inference creates bad judgement. There are also ways we can make sure that we are not drawing the wrong conclusions, asking questions and looking at body language.