LADDER of INFERENCE

There are 7 steps on the ladder that represent our mental processes.

Here's what it looks like from the bottom-up:

7. Available data

This is the reality we are able to observe.

6. Selected data

We select what we pay attention to based on our prior experiences and existing beliefs. We don't have the mental capacity to take in every piece of data available, so we have to make this selection.

5. Interpretations

We give facts meaning. We paraphrase what we see or hear to make sense of it.

4. Assumptions

Based on our interpretation, we make our own personal assumptions.

3. Conclusions

We draw conclusions from our assumptions.

2. Beliefs

Our beliefs are then developed from the conclusions we make.

1. Actions

Finally, we take actions that are rooted in what we believe to be true.