Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M0652

The Third Story

The Third Story
CollaborateHigh supportCommunication
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

In conflict, there is not only 'my version' and 'your version', but also a 'third story'. This is a story that a neutral observer (such as a judge or mediator) would tell, which does not assign right or wrong but only describes the differences between the two sides.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Ice-breaking dialogue. When communication is deadlocked, do not try to argue who is right or wrong, but invite the other party to jointly construct a 'third story': 'I value efficiency, you value quality, how can we find a balance between the two?'

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

When the two parties in a dispute each stick to their own story (Story 1 and Story 2), propose a 'third story' that transcends positions and is based on common facts and interests, opening up space for dialogue.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    baike.baidu.comhttps://baike.baidu.com/item/%E9%AB%98%E9%9A%BE%E5%BA%A6%E8%B0%88%E8%AF%9D/8334725ZH · Explicit
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