The Theory
The Ladder of Inference describes the thinking process that we go through, usually without realizing it, to get from a fact to a decision or action. The thinking stages can be seen as rungs on a ladder and are shown in the image.
The Theory
Starting at the bottom of the ladder, we have reality and facts. From there, we:
The Theory
• Experience these selectively based on our beliefs and prior experience.
The Theory
• Interpret what they mean.
The Theory
• Apply our existing assumptions, sometimes without considering them.
The Theory
• Draw conclusions based on the interpreted facts and our assumptions.
The Theory
• Develop beliefs based on these conclusions.
The Theory
• Take actions that seem "right" because they are based on what we believe.
The Theory
This can create a vicious circle. Our beliefs have a big effect on how we select from reality, and can lead us to ignore the true facts altogether. Soon we are literally jumping to conclusions -by missing facts and skipping steps in the reasoning process.
The Theory
By using the Ladder of Inference, you can learn to get back to the facts and use your beliefs and experiences to positive effect, rather than allowing them to narrow your field of judgment. Following this step-by-step reasoning can lead you to better results, based on reality, so avoiding unnecessary mistakes and conflict.
How to use the theory
The Ladder of Inference helps you draw better conclusions, or challenge other people's conclusions based on true facts and reality. It can be used to help you analyze hard data, such as a set of sales figures, or to test assertions, such as "the project will go live in April". You can also use it to help validate or challenge other people's conclusions.
How to use the theory
The step-by-step reasoning process helps you remain objective and, when working or challenging others, reach a shared conclusion without conflict.
How to use the theory
Use the following steps to challenge thinking using the Ladder of Inference: • At each stage, ask yourself WHAT you are thinking and WHY. As you analyze each step, you may need to adjust your reasoning. For example you may need to change some assumption or extend the field of data you have selected.

{'paper_id': '124370488', 'title': 'Ladder of Inference', 's2_url': 'https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:124370488', 'source': 'S2ORC'}