Correlation Quote by Nancy G. Leveson
““When operators receive input about the state of the system being controlled, they will first try to fit that information into their current mental model and will find reasons to exclude information that does not fit. Because operators are continually testing their mental models against reality (see figure 2.9), the longer a model has been held and the more different sources of information that led to that incorrect model, the more resistant the models will be to change due to conflicting information, particularly ambiguous information.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Engineering a Safer World by Nancy G. Leveson, 2011
People fit new data into existing mental models, often dismissing contradictory information, especially when models are entrenched and ambiguous.
In simple terms: We ignore data that conflicts with our beliefs.
Key Takeaway
Challenge assumptions and seek diverse evidence.
Themes
cognitive bias
mental models
information processing
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
reflective
inquisitive
When to use this quote
- risk assessment
- decision making
- training
- policy development
Key Concepts
psychology
systems engineering
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence have you dismissed recently?
- How can you test your mental models?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep‑seated models can be slow and meet resistance.
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