Is it True?

This week I politely bit my tongue on a training call when the 7-38-55 rule, also known as the Mehrabian's rule was quoted.

Albert Mehrabian, a pioneer in nonverbal communication research, conducted studies that found these percentages.

?7% of a message is expressed through the actual words used

38% of a message is expressed through the tone of voice

55% of a message is expressed through body language

The research established they apply only to very specific situations. Mehrabian himself clarified this, stating that his findings were not meant to suggest that verbal content only contributes 7% to any given communication and that the real world of communication is more varied and complex than this. But it is trotted out as a general truth that applies in all situations by a lot of people.

However, the oversimplification and misrepresentation of Mehrabian's work is not an isolated incident. Learning styles are another popular concept in education, psychology, and self-help circles.

?They suggest that people have unique ways of processing information and that these methods can significantly affect how we learn. The most common one that is used and quoted is the VARK system – Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, and kinetic.

?However, the VARK model is based on very little scientific evidence and has been challenged and disproven.

I remember the teachers at my daughter's school trotting this one out and the relieved look on my wife's face as I resisted debunking it.? To be honest I suspect most professional teachers know it is not valid but are dictated to use it by the powers that be. I don’t know about you, but the way I take in information varies widely depending on the type of information and the mood I am in at the time.

This is part of a larger problem where complex research findings are reduced to catchy soundbites or misleading headlines.?

These are then picked up and repeated as truth.

These are just a couple of examples that I have come across that did not hold up to scrutiny when I went and checked the data.

While these concepts have their origins in legitimate research, their widespread misinterpretation and oversimplification highlight a prevalent issue in the dissemination of knowledge.

These examples remind us that context matters and that one-size-fits-all assertions often do not hold up under scrutiny.

The onus is on us, the consumers of this information, to critically evaluate the claims made and to understand the context in which they are presented.

So, the next time you come across a catchy headline or a surprising statistic, remember to dig a little deeper.

Check your sources, question the findings, and most importantly, never take anything at face value.

This highlights the importance of critical thinking and verification when encountering information, especially those presented as universal truths. This is also true for information in and around our business that we base our decisions on.

It can be as simple as asking one question.

“Is it True?” "Is it True?" is not just a question, but a powerful tool of inquiry that prompts critical thinking and discernment.

When we are presented with information, especially those touted as irrefutable facts, asking this question forces us to pause and evaluate the source, context, and validity of the information.

By asking "Is it True?", we initiate a process of investigation.

We might start by examining the source of the information.

Is it credible?

Does it have a reputation for accuracy and integrity?

Next, we could look at the evidence supporting the claim. Is it based on sound research or is it anecdotal?

We could also consider the context in which the information is presented. Is it being used to support a particular viewpoint or agenda?

Furthermore, this question encourages us to acknowledge and challenge our own biases.

We all tend to accept information that aligns with our existing beliefs while dismissing information that contradicts them.

By asking "Is it True?", we push ourselves to look beyond our personal biases and seek objective truth.

Over time, as we consistently apply this question to the information we encounter, we develop a more nuanced understanding of the world.

We become more discerning consumers of information, less likely to be swayed by misinformation and more capable of making informed decisions.

In short, by asking "Is it True?", we not only filter out false or misleading information, but we also cultivate a mindset of curiosity, scepticism, and open-mindedness.

These are essential qualities if we want to make better and more profitable decisions in both our business and our lives. So I encourage you to challenge your current understanding and the information it is based on and see how that leads to better outcomes.

WHAT ASSUMPTIONS ARE MAKING AN ASS OF YOU?

USEFUL RESOURCES I HAVE FOUND

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Busting the Mehrabian Myth | CreativityWorks

This short video animation puts 'Mehrabian's rule' under the magnifying glass and shows why it can't be true.

Albert Mehrabian - Rare Interview - 55-38-7 Rule vs. Myth

Albert Mehrabian shared his thoughts on his own study in this rare interview (Done around 2019.) In the interview, Albert Mehrabian shared his views on his often, misunderstood research.

Interviewer: Jess Todtfeld, Success In Media, Inc.

Learning Styles - A Complete Myth | Memorize Academy

The learning styles myth. Are you a visual learner? Or auditory or kinesthetic? Who cares - it's all a complete myth!

Learning styles & the importance of critical self-reflection | Tesia Marshik

This presentation focuses on debunking this myth via research findings, explaining how/why the belief in learning styles is problematic, and examining the reasons why the belief persists despite the lack of evidence.

Dr. Tesia Marshik is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Her research interests in educational psychology include student motivation, self-regulation, and teacher-student relationships.

What is Critical Thinking? | GCFLearnFree

An overview of what Critical Thinking is and why it is important.

Remember, the clock changes for those of us in the UK and we get an extra hour! in bed. Enjoy.

Stay safe and stay well.