Rule of Three Interpretations:

The Rule of Three Interpretations

Whenever I'm aware that I'm making an interpretation, I have another  choice: I can allow myself to know that more than one interpretation is  possible. A good check on premature interpretation is the Rule of Three  Interpretations:

If I can't think of at least three different  interpretations of what I received, I haven't thought enough about what  it might mean.

This rule slows down the Interpretation step and gives me, the receiver,  a chance to engage my brain before using my mouth. Even after I have  thought of three possible interpretations, however, I should always be  aware of one more possibility: that my list still may not include your  intending meaning.
-- Jerry Weinberg, Quality Software  Management Vol 2, Chapter 6

Related thought: Miller's Law

Comments

[jasper a graham]

Hi i have dyslexia and live in tx which the staar has put a 4 hour time cap on the 60 question test and dose not allow accommodations
for people with this disorder so everyone please help us rebel