Activities to Address Narrow or Simplistic Framing
Use these activities to help address and move beyond the binary or simplistic framing of a topic in a discussion
Dear collaborative discussion friends,
This week we are sharing three activities that can be used to move beyond the binary or overly simplistic framing of an issue in a discussion. The first activity will help a group develop flexible thinking and to appreciate the contradictions present in issues and people. The second activity will help participants in a discussion understand the complexity of an issue and the decision-making process. Finally, the third activity will help them to expand their thinking beyond the normal framing or narrow lenses through which a topic may typically be discussed.
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Activities to help address binary or simplistic framing of an issue
When groups frame issues in a binary or simplistic way, this usually means that they are viewing the problem using black-and-white or all-or-nothing thinking. They also might only be seeing a few dimensions or sides of the issue and not considering all of its different facets.
The following activities can be used to intervene and help a group when they are stuck in a narrow way of thinking about a topic.
Activity 2.2 Embracing Contradictions
Activity 2.2 Embracing Contradictions. Contradictions can be helpful. They can help us to see complexity and develop flexibility of thought. Most issues (and people) contain contradictions. Instead of being stumped by contradictions, this activity encourages participants to lean into this discomfort and develop a “paradox mindset.”
Through repeated practice, participants can replace binary thinking and instead use this “paradox mindset” as their default way of thinking to see and embrace the complexities and contractions inherent in issues and people.
Activity 3.4 Developing Comfort with Ambiguity
Activity 3.4 Developing Comfort with Ambiguity. This activity is designed to encourage participants to grapple with “no win” situations. Through discussion, participants will explore seemingly simple moral dilemmas which will actually expose the complexity of decision-making.
This activity then helps participants move away from a simplistic view of the issue to see all the different factors involved. It also helps participants develop greater empathy for decision-makers.
Activity 3.5 Seeking Divergent Thinking
Activity 3.5 Seeking Divergent Thinking. This activity describes how to systematically examine a topic from a multi-dimensional approach. It encourages divergent thinking by asking participants to generate different questions and viewpoints about a single area of concern, deepening appreciation for complexity.
This activity helps participants imagine new angles and dimensions from which to view the topic, complexifying their understanding of the issue, the stakeholders, and possible means of addressing challenges or finding solutions.
Upcoming Events
Introduction to the CDP Toolkit Webinar. Learn about our free toolkit of activities designed to build and support collaborative discussion skills and mindsets. All are welcome! Register for an upcoming webinar:
Looking forward to collaborating,
Kelly & the Collaborative Discussion Team