Analysis · intermediate · 45 min

Assumption Busting: The Critical Lens

This method helps participants identify and challenge their underlying assumptions, which often contribute to biased thinking. By surfacing and questioning these assumptions, participants can gain a more objective perspective and make more informed decisions. Use this method when you need to deconstruct ingrained beliefs and explore alternative viewpoints.

What participants gain

  • Identify personal assumptions that influence decision-making.
  • Evaluate the validity and impact of these assumptions.
  • Develop strategies for challenging and reframing assumptions.
  • Recognize how unchecked assumptions contribute to bias.

Materials needed

  • Whiteboard or flip chart
  • Markers
  • Sticky notes
  • Timer
  • Assumption Busting Worksheet

How to run Assumption Busting: The Critical Lens, step by step

  1. Introduce the activity and its purpose (5 min).
  2. Explain the concept of assumptions and how they can lead to bias (10 min).
  3. Divide participants into small groups (4-5 people) and ask them to individually write down 3-5 assumptions they hold about a specific topic or situation (10 min).
  4. In their groups, participants share their assumptions and discuss their origins and potential impact (10 min).
  5. As a group, select the most impactful assumption and brainstorm ways to challenge or reframe it (5 min).
  6. Each group presents their findings to the larger group (5 min).

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage participants to be specific and provide examples to support their claims.
  • Remind participants that the goal is not to prove or disprove assumptions but to understand their influence.
  • Create a safe space for open dialogue and respectful disagreement.
  • Provide sentence starters to help participants articulate their assumptions.
  • Use visual aids to illustrate the relationship between assumptions and biases.

Common challenges

  • Participants struggle to identify their assumptions. Provide examples and prompts to help them get started.
  • Participants become defensive when their assumptions are challenged. Remind them that the goal is to learn and grow.
  • The discussion becomes dominated by a few voices. Use a talking stick or other technique to ensure equal participation.
  • Participants get stuck in analysis paralysis. Set a time limit for each step and encourage them to move forward.

Running it virtually

Adapt this method for virtual facilitation using a collaborative whiteboard tool like Miro or Mural. Participants can add their assumptions to virtual sticky notes and then vote on which assumptions to challenge.

Expected results

Participants will identify their underlying assumptions and challenge their validity. They will gain a deeper understanding of how assumptions can contribute to biased thinking and decision-making.

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