SPEAK TO THE PROBLEMS 2.1: Improving Solutions by Arguing

(SHORT NOTES FROM PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS:

General Problem-Solving Tools at http://www.mindtools.com)

 

In general, people like to consult others when there's a problem to solve or a decision to make.  This is because, as individuals, people have limited perspectives; and what may at first appear to be the best solution from one vantage point may no longer seem so after the fuller picture is seen.

Involving other people who inevitably have different perspectives and views, helps to ensure that solutions from all possible sides has been considered.  It forces us to consider all options, and make sure that the decisions are made for the best reasons.

Constructive Controversy is used to test a proposed solution by subjecting it to the "clash of ideas", showing it to be wrong, proving it, or improving it.  This problem-solving approach was introduced by David Johnson and Roger Johnson in 1979.  The technique draws on 5 key assumptions:

1.    adopting initial perspective towards a problem based on personal experiences and perceptions

2.    persuading others to agree will strengthens our belief that we are right

3.    beginning to doubt our rationale when confronted with competing viewpoints

4.    doubting causes us to seek more information and build a better perspective, because we want to be confident with the choice

5.    searching for a fuller perspective leads to better overall decision making

The resulting process is shown in Figure 1 below:

 

Constructive Controversy tends to produce better solutions, compared with solving problems using consensus, debate, or individual effort because the Constructive Controversy process forces us to face our assumptions and avoid drawing conclusions too quickly.  It also pushes us to use clear reasoning to defend or argue against a position, and it helps to protect us from logical fallacies and blind spots, because we're forced to explain and defend our rationale.

 

Constructive Controversy is a formal procedure to manage controversy in a positive way:

1.    Brainstorm Possible Solutions to the Problem

2.    Form Advocacy Teams

3.    Engage in Constructive Controversy

4.    Decide

The "Rules" of Constructive Controversy

1.    Demonstrate mutual respect at all times.

2.    Criticize ideas, not people.

3.    Remember that they, as people, are not being criticized, just the ideas they're putting forwards at the time.

4.    Focus on good decision-making, not winning.

5.    Listen actively, and ask for clarification when necessary.

6.    Commit to understanding all sides of an issue.

7.    Are willing to change positions when the evidence suggests it's necessary.

8.    Use rational arguments, including inductive and deductive logic, and draw conclusions based on evidence and well-structured reasoning.

Constructive Controversy is an effective tool for developing well-rounded solutions to problems.  The key is to adopt different perspectives to gain a better understanding of the problem.