One innovative practice that became useful in developmental appraisal of laterality or handedness in children, who had motoric developmental delay was to add one objective criterion to the appraisal process The weight distribution of the body by making a child stand on two different weighing machines which are calibrated synchronously became a valuable tool to find the difference in the muscle bulk difference between both sides. The use of a dynamometer for measuring the strength of the grip in each hand was another complementary test to help in deciding on the handedness in pre-school children. The two tests together helped in monitoring the clinical evolution of handedness when children had differential neuro-motor findings on each side. It was an objective way to help parents to choose the handedness that was emerging rather than parents insisting on promoting only the right handedness.
It is now thirty years since this approach evolved to a level of satisfactory objective clarification, which was needed to identify it as a tool in deciding the handedness in pre-school children.
It was an observation initially which could evolve into a clinical evidence by fine tuning the process of appraisal.
This experience came back to me to suggest that observations can be developed further into valuable source to help in decision making!
The impressions ought to evolve into evidence if the impressions are to be valid.
I find this playing a role in behaviour Science. Our impressions or opinions guide us in our thinking and searching. Often those initial thoughts stay without contributing to the objective evidence.
I was gathering information about a dispute that needed attention. I realised that both involved in this unsettling dialogue based their rationale on their impressions. The factual state automatically clarified the position and both were regretful of having been influenced by their first impressions.
The substrate fo our thinking is often influenced by our past experiences. But that alone is not strong enough to form impressions. The facts and truths of the current situation would need to be actively explored.
Having had an exposure to dispute resolution process, I find that the differences in opinion can lead to argument, disagreement, discordance, dispute, conflict, confrontation and hospitality!
Of all the practical aspects to avoid a dispute or find a way beyond dispute is strengthening listening and discerning skills. Listening is both an art and skill.
One challenge I have before me is to listen uninterruptedly even if I have an opinion emerging in my mind or a question to clarify! I find that when a person was listened to uninterruptedly, then that person feels heard and received! That is often a favourable starting point for exploration of the issue for dialogue.
Listening appears to be one sided externally. But listening with heart is a participatory process in the story of the speaker!
What facilitates trustful conversation is the attitude, of listening without curiosity or comments but with openness to listen and discern.
The conversation becomes deeper to be a communion when listening becomes appreciative and facilitatory!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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