CIICPD 2023

When looking at a ‘seemingly obvious’ picture, the first associations of the context at hand need to be voiced immediately and without hesitations. In this context, it becomes clear that many people climb up the ladder of inference within a second and appear to know the answer. This is a picture of the Ku Klux Klan they may say, the American white supremist hate group with the typical hoods and white robes. However, jumping to conclusions too quickly without sufficient evidence is often misleading and wrong. Using this video as a visual example of how quickly our brain processes information may help to identify, address, acknowledge and mitigate against unconscious bias. Providing educators with a tool for reflection and further analysis is a beneficial means of tracing one’s own implicit prejudice. By practising the DIVE Strategy along the lines of “ D escription, I nterpretation, V erification and E valuation” helps to work with four specific steps that allow persons to reconsider their premature steps taken on the ladder of inference. Step 1 is the description of a situation or setting; here, it is necessary to neutrally look at a picture, person or situation and objectively describe what is seen. In doing so, it is vital to stick to objective and observable facts. Step 2 is the interpretation of the relevant picture, person or situation; in this phase, people are encouraged to think of the various meanings as to what is going on and draw on a wide range of assumptions that may be applicable to the context at hand. Step 3 is the verification phase. Here, it is essential to double-check whether one’s interpretations are correct and valid. This can be done by addressing cultural and knowledgeable informants and drawing on reliable and multiple sources that provide trustworthy insights into the given context. Verification is key as it helps to holistically understand the setting and provides a look beyond the seemingly obvious. The final step, namely the evaluation phase, is critical when it comes to evaluating one’s own interpretations. By looking at one’s own previously held beliefs, biases and preconceived ideas, the person involved starts to engage in a reflective loop. This process helps to reflect on one’s own judgements.

Figure 2: DIVE Strategy (Gaisch, 2019)

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