Purpose

The purpose of this role play is to explore both sides of a controversial issue. Depolarizer is based on the philosophy that many issues we treat as problems to be solved are actually polarities to be managed.

Product

The product is a balanced list of positive and negative statements about a controversial issue that can be used as a basis for discussion or action planning around that issue.

Overview of the process

During the six rounds of the roleplay, players explore the issue from both a personal perspective and also from a designated role. By informing the players about the range of positions, the aim is to increase their awareness of the spread of opinions around the issue. By having players randomly role-play extreme positions, they are encouraged to think about different points of view. By reviewing extremely polarized comments, players make more informed decisions. The roleplay typically encourages players at extremes to get closer to the average. Thus, it may not change anyone’s opinion, but it increases players’ level of awareness of alternative points of view.

Flow of the role play

Round 1: Participants anonymously indicate their position toward a controversial issue on a 9-point attitude scale. Eg You must be a mug to teach online or Do lurkers learn?

Round 2: Each player predicts the average attitude rating of all inputs. The most accurate predictor wins the round.

Round 3: Players assume randomly assigned positive or negative roles. Each player contributes exaggerated statements about the costs or benefits associated with the selected issue from the point of view of a person with the assigned role.

Round 4: Players review the statements and again send in their position on the same 9-point scale.

Round 5: Each player once again predicts the average attitude rating of all inputs and a winner is announced.

Round 6: The winner is announced. Players are invited to debrief about the management of polarities or other issues raised as a result of the role play.

Template and Facilitator Instructions

The Depolarizer template including a complete set of step-by-step instructions for facilitating the is can be found at Thiagi’s web site