Mindful Mediation (Mastering Perceptions, Beliefs, and Biases)

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Defining Perception
The Nature of Perception
The science behind perception
The brain's role in constructing reality
The perception of colour
The complexity of human perception: Understanding individual realities The Case Against Reality by Donald Hoffman
The Rashomon Effect
Ladder of Inference by Chris Argyris
Pareidolia: -The brain's tendency to see patterns
What is Pareidolia?
The Basis of people seeing ghosts and other unexplained phenomena Optical Illusions
Brain Dominance and Perception Differences
The Role of Communication in Perception
The Role of Emotions in Perception How Perception Influences Conflict
Examples of perceptual conflicts
6 & 9 Metaphor
Why people have different perceptions - Bullet points
Mitigating the negative impact of perceptions on conflict
The Importance of Understanding Perceptual Differences in Conflict Resolution
The role of a mediator
The power of conditioning
Pavlov's experiment with monkeys: - a story of classical conditioning
The power of reconditioning
2. Understanding "Beliefs"
How to unlearn your beliefs
Why do we see highly educated people with scientific
backgrounds indulging in beliefs?
Dogmatism
Understanding Paradigms
Power of stories
3. What are Biases?
Types of Biases
1) Cognitive Biases
2) Social Biases
3) Cultural Biases
Class discrimination
Cognitive Biases
Different types of biases How are biases formed?
1) Confirmation biases
2) Hindsight bias
3) Dunning Kruger effect
4) Anchoring Bias
5) Attribution bias
6) Stereotyping or Generalizing
7) WYSIATI effect
8) Categorizing
9) Labelling
10) Projection Bias
11) In group Out group Bias (Us vs Them mentality)
12) Implicit Bias Or Unconscious Bias
13) Actor Observer Bias
14) False Consensus Bias (Bandwagon effect)
15) Abilene Paradox
16) Halo Effect
17) Self Serving Bias
18) The Availability Heuristic (Clustering Illusions) 19) Optimism Bias (Ostrich Effect)
20) Choice Supportive Bias 21) Sunk Cost Fallacy
22) Risk Aversion (Zero Risk Bias)
23) Assimilation Bias
24) Inattentional Blindness
25) Reactive Devaluation
26) Endowment effect
27) Cognitive Dissonance
Implications of Biases Mitigating biases
Overcoming biases
Strategies for Identifying and Mitigating Biases
The Mediator's Role in Addressing Perception and Bias
Tools and Techniques for mediators in dealing with perceptions and Biases during mediation
Handling Social Identity and Group Dynamics in mediation Navigating Cross-Cultural Conflicts
4. Mediator's role in creating the right perception
Some Key aspects of creating the right perception as a mediator: 1) Building Rapport and Trust
2) Maintaining Neutrality and Impartiality
3) Communication Dynamics
4) Effective Listening and Questioning Techniques
5) Non-verbal communication and Its Effects
6) Enhancing Empathy and Understanding Conclusion
Acknowledgements and References
5. Addenda
1) Suggested books
2) Articles and research papers
3) Online resources
Exercises and activities for mediators on perceptions and biases
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Author Details
Advocate George Merlo Pallath is a seasoned civil lawyer with an illustrious 34- year career practicing at Kochi. Beyond his expertise in law, Adv. George Merlo Pallath has dedicated himself to the field of mediation for the past 15 years, fostering constructive conflict resolution.
Now elevated as an accredited senior trainer under the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC) of the Supreme Court of India, Adv. George Merlo Pallath has conducted numerous 40-hour training programmes all over India for aspiring mediators.
He has authored two books. His first book, "Bridging Differences: A Handbook on Mediation," has been a valuable resource for mediation practitioners. His second book, "Addressing Emotions, Feelings, Needs, and Interests," a comprehensive guide to navigating the intricacies of human emotions in conflict resolution was released in September 2024. "Mindful Mediation - Mastering Perceptions, beliefs, and Biases is his third book explaining the intricacies of perceptions, beliefs, and biases and how it affects human behaviour.