Hoch, Kunreuther, & Gunther (2001) stated that frame blindness is looking out into the world through one mental window while failing to notice the views offered by other windows; or operating with outdated information by not keeping up with the changing times. In order to overcome frame blindness, one can identify and change inadequate frames, master the techniques for reframing, and see the frame and conducting a frame audit.
In order to overcome frame blindness, Hoch, Kunreuther, & Gunther (2001) stated that one can identify and change inadequate frames by challenging our own personal frames. Huangfu, Zhu (2014) stated that the framing effect is a situation of different descriptions of the same problem having a significant effect on the likes and dislikes of those making decisions, as well as on their judgment. A few tools to change inadequate frames are described by Hoch, Kunretuther, & Gunther (2001) as asking if our frames are effective, realizing frame misfits, question reference points, and recognizing key assumptions.
As a youth sponsor at our church, I often deal with struggling teenagers who need to guidance with decision making to overcome daily struggles. In order to use framing to assist them, it is important to point out where the lack of communication with others, question the source and reliability of their information, stick with the facts because assumptions are based on feeling. The teens do not realize what is being done by reframing their decision but it is a practice that is used often by the leaders working with the teenagers to offset their viewpoint. During one reframing situation, several girls were struggling to make a decision and draw a conclusion based on the facts presented before them, however; as the leader, the right decision was easy to see, therefore, we questioned their decision process and how they would draw their conclusion from a different approach.
Mastering the techniques of reframing is described by Hoch, Kunretuther, & Gunther (2001) as synthesizing and creating new frames. This can be done by utilizing multiple frames to compare and contrast outcomes, look for ways to align frames with other frames, change metaphors, challenge reference points of others, and stretch the flexibility of a frame in order to build a new frame.
About seven years ago, my husband and I decided to separate from the military and begin a new life. The situation we were in was causing stress and strain on our marriage and family, we decided to make a move across the country to start over. The moving situation came up again in 2014 after life situations, much like the first time, began to consume our lives again. We needed a change, however; this time we were doing it on our own, without the help of the military. In order to make the move again, we had to compare and contrast the prior moving situation, weigh the outcome to determine if this was the right decision, and push our family outside of our safety net and comfort zone to take the chance. This also ties into audit framing because we had to plan for the future financially, job security, and education for our children. In the end, the move was successful and our lives started over in a new place where everyone is happy. In order to reach the point of successful decision making, multiple stages of framing had to take place in order to avoid frame blindness.
By conducting a frame audit Hoch, Kunreuther, & Gunther (2001) stated that the frame is surfaced, an understanding of others frames is observed, and a development of newly formed frames occurs. In order to surface the frame (p. 142) is to visually draw out the frame to have a full understanding of what is within the frame and decision process. Understanding the frame of others and appreciating new and emerging frames will assist one with understanding frame conflict and how to balance the overlap.
Overall, the framing process to assist with making decisions is a necessary tool in order to see beyond what is in front of us. One must overcome frame blindness by mastering the techniques of reframing, changing inadequate frames, and auditing our frames.
Hoch, S. J., Kunreuther, H. C., & Gunther, R. E. (2001). Wharton on Marking Decisions. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Huangfu, G., & Zhu, L. (2014). A reexamination of the robustness of the framing effect in cognitive processing. Social Behavior and Personality: An international journal, 42, 37-43. http:// doi.org/zs9
