Mental Models
Human behavior is strongly influenced by the theories and beliefs that one holds as being true. These beliefs and presumptions have an impact on one's mindset, giving each person a unique quality. The theories and viewpoints that people have formed over time and that shape how they experience the world are known as mental models. Different models lead people to hold divergent opinions about the same problems they encounter in life. Even when people argue over how they behave differently in different situations, even though they don't express them out loud, one can always feel them. Therefore, mental models can be described as subtle.
Different Mental Models
Different mental models result in various outcomes. It can be useful in one situation and fail to deliver excellent results in another. As a professional psychologist, I usually encounter individuals with varying views of the society. For instance, in the course of treatment, I occasionally engage my patients in discussions on how they view life. Some perceive it as a game of chess, such that a strategic plan determines the ultimate winner and loser. The rules of the game also have a significant impact in determining the winner and loser. Another set of patients argue that life is like surfing. They explain that it has no set rules; thereby, it is not a competition. As a result, there are no losers or winners. These individuals claim that forces beyond human capacity affect life. The two mental models vary in concept, and thus, each has a unique way of determining how an individual will react to a given life situation (Gentner and Stevens 11). Also, I came across patients who claim that they cannot do one thing or another yet they become defensive when asked to quit a harmful habit such as smoking. These mind-sets make them think they cannot overcome various challenges (Albert et al. 7). I adopt this policy to enhance treatment changes in my patients, and it works rather well.
Mental Models in the Article about Violence
The article about violence contains numerous mental models that exist in our society both modern and the past. At the beginning of the writing, it is stated that Indians had an unfavourable view of education provided by the white commissioners. They disregarded the training being offered by claiming that it had no value. The same society also did not value women's education due to the perception that it was not necessary to teach a girl child (Palmer).
Examples of Mental Models in the Article
Another evident psychological model, according to the article, is the one that led to the burning of six million women accused of being witches. The writer had a prior belief that a family has 2.8 people in it (mental model), but after working as a community organiser, he pictured a clearer view of what a family entails. A common mentality among graduates where they always claim that the world is moving in the wrong direction is also highlighted. The article further shows another mental model where the alumni believe that a bright future awaits them. Lastly, feminist philosophers had a hard time having their work approved by the society in the olden days (Gentner and Stevens 11). However, this position has changed, as more work done by women is accepted to the extent that they are occasionally awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize.
Embracing and Instilling Positive Mental Models
Mental models have been widely used to influence human thinking in a significant manner. Therefore, people should embrace their differences, appreciate them, and then work together to realize a harmonious coexistence. They should also learn to instill positivity instead of the negativity in the society. Humanity has achieved extensive developments. However, more achievements can be realized by maintaining an overall positive mindset.
Works Cited
Albert, Pauline J., Patricia Werhane, and Tim Rolph. “Introduction.” In Global Poverty Alleviation: A Case Book (pp. 1-11). Springer Netherlands, 2014.
Gentner, Dedre, and Albert L. Stevens. Mental Models. Psychology Press, 2014.
Palmer, Parker. The Violence of Our Knowledge: Toward a Spirituality of Higher Education. 21st Century Learning Initiative. Fetzer Institute, 1993.
