Learning From Mistakes

Definition: Learning From Mistakes is needed to do things better in the future. But how exactly should we deal with moments of failure? Roese (2016) developed a mental protocol – based on counterfactual thinking – with 5 steps that one can use in such setback situations:
1. Upward Counterfactual
2. Upward Counterfactual Part 2
3. Same Outcome Through Different Path
4. Other Outcome Through Same Path
5. Downward Counterfactual
These 5 steps help create a nuanced picture of the situation. After the above steps you are better able to identify the true causes of the actual outcome.

Learn more about learning from mistakes

More on learning: Hindsight Bias, Lifelong Learning.

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