Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M6477

ABT

ABT
StructureHigh supportLogic
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

And, But, Therefore. The most basic narrative DNA: establish context (And), introduce conflict (But), propose solution (Therefore). This is to counter the boring AAA structure (And, And, And...).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Logical skeleton. When you feel an article reads like a running account, check if 'But' is missing. Without 'but', there is no story, only a list of information.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Based on 'narrative tension' and 'cognitive conflict'. The AAA structure (flat) lacks driving force; introducing 'But' creates conflict, and then 'Therefore' provides a way out, aligning with the brain's preference for causality and turns.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

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Source support: Explicit

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