Suggestion 82. Explicitly point out alternative points of view

IF YOU WANT TO:

• Invite criticism of your own ideas

• Discuss points of view other than your own

Explicitly point out that there are alternative points of view.

One political science professor says that he frequently reminds students that they should question whatever he tells them.

"I indicate the polar principles which guide much of the research in social sciences as well as much of our folk wisdom, e.g. `opposites attract' versus `birds of a feather flock together' or `absence makes the heart grow fonder' versus `familiarity breeds contempt.' In doing so I point out that they should be mindful that there may be good reasons to believe the opposite of what I say," that they should analyze all arguments in terms of their opposites."

Limitations on Use of Suggestion

  Discipline:  None
Course Level:  None
 Course Size:  None
        Mode:  None

Copyright 1983 by the Regents of the University of California

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