How do people think and why it matters? Sociology elements.

How do social structures shape the way we think—and act? For the third episode of Bridging Minds, we shift our focus to the sociological dimensions that frame every concept humans interact with. Knowledge isn’t just constructed individually—it’s shaped by culture, community, and context. From interpretative lenses to socio-cultural models, these frameworks act as invisible scripts, guiding how we understand the world, each other, and ourselves.

In this session, we’ll explore:

• Social constructions as cognitive channels: How personal constructs shape mental processes—and why we interpret information to fit our existing cognitive frameworks.
• Bounded rationality: Why decisions are never purely "rational," but filtered through social roles, heuristics, and group dynamics.
• Group dynamics: The power of groupthink, group identity, and cohesiveness—and how they can both enable and hinder collaboration.

We’ll also delve into Frame Theory and the Homo Economicus model, questioning the assumption that decisions are made solely on data. Instead, we’ll reveal how Bayesian updating—where new knowledge is attached to existing beliefs—creates a feedback loop between individual cognition and social context.

Why does this matter for science-policy interfaces? Because misunderstandings often stem from unrecognized differences in socially constructed knowledge. When these gaps go unaddressed, they lead to friction, miscommunication, and missed opportunities for meaningful collaboration.

Join us to decode the sociological layers of decision-making—and learn how to bridge the gaps between diverse stakeholders. Register now to transform how you navigate the social dimensions of science-policy interactions.

• Webinar 4: Power shaping interactions: What to keep an eye out for? Uncover the hidden power dynamics that define collaborations—and learn how to navigate them effectively.
• Webinar 5: The Art of Managing a Meeting Master practical techniques to facilitate inclusive, productive, and impactful discussions across diverse stakeholders.