Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M6925

WRAP

WRAP
Learn & MetacognitionHigh supportCognitive Science
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

The four-step decision-making method proposed by the Heath brothers: Widen your options, Reality-test your assumptions, Attain distance before deciding, and Prepare to be wrong.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

A pitfall-avoidance guide. Before making major decisions, go through these four steps to specifically counter cognitive biases such as narrow framing and overconfidence.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

A four-step decision process that gradually offsets biases: Widen counters narrow framing, Reality-test counters confirmation bias, Attain distance counters emotionality, and Prepare counters overconfidence. It transforms 'quick intuitive decisions' into 'structured deliberation'.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

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Source support: Explicit

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