Purpose

Becoming aware of each other’s disciplinary biases and assumptions by physically positioning along an axis that represents a spectrum

Description

Scholars are trained in one or many scientific paradigms. These paradigms come with their own biases and assumptions on about what constitutes knowledge and how to get to knowledge

Scholars may be aware of these assumptions, but do not always realize not the confines of their own assumptions. This activity is aimed at getting to know oneself and others through an activity of mapping along a line in space that represents a spectrum, in response to a set of statements.

The first statements are low-key and aimed at getting to know one another in different ways. Gradually, the statements are aimed to surface more of the underlying assumptions  that are held.

This exercise is useful at the start of an interdisciplinary collaboration, or even prior to forming interdisciplinary research teams.

It can also be done in (trans)disciplinary teams where scholars operate with different biases and assumptions. The statements can be adjusted accordingly.

Instructions

1. Make sure you have access to a space without furniture, that is big enough for the group to move around.
2. With masking tape,  create a line on the floor. Make it big enough so that participants can physically place themselves along this axis
3. Explain that the line represents a spectrum, not an either/or. Participants can place themselves along this spectrum, based on the extent to which they align with option A or option B
4. Start with a simple prompt, to practice how the activity work. E.g. Right: if you prefer dogs, Left: if you prefer cats.
5. Then gradually built up the statements in complexity. Choose statements that are relevant for the group you work with and really represent two sides of the same coin. Make sure that A and B are comparable items. Explain that people are allowed to place themselves anywhere along the line and that they are allowed to move while listening to others.
6. For each statement, observe the image. Where is everyone positioned? Ask a few people to explain their position. If you notice gaps, inquire into: which positions are not represented? What does that say about us as a group? What might change if these positions would be represented?

Phase

Convene/Getting to know each other

Competence

Disciplinary Grounding

Time

30 – 45 minutes

Group size

8 – 20 persons

Required materials

• Masking tape
• A list of prompts
• An empty space big enough for the group to move around in

Related tools

This exercise can be combined with the Empathy map

Relevant resources

This method was brought to us by Meghann Ormond, who developed this activity in the context of a Philosophy of Science course at Wageningen University & Research.

Read more in this i2insights blog.

Tips & experience

It’s important for participants to understand that there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. The activity is aimed at surfacing different perspectives and entering into dialogue.

In wording the statements, be careful not convey any value judgement in how you phrased it.

Give ample space for dialogue. Invite participants to listen with an open mind.

For the facilitator, it’s important to be acquainted with the different scientific paradigms and be aware of one’s own scientific biases and assumptions.