If you conduct wisdom or philosophy classes with groups, you’re going to love this exercise. So simple, yet so powerful when introduced to a group at the right time in their development.
First, split your group into pairs. Take a look at Getting Into Pairs for some fun ways to achieve this goal. Small groups of two people work best to provide the right sort of space and permission for high-quality sharing, three at the most (if you must.)
Explain that over the course of several rounds, you will invite each person (individually) to consider which one of two distinct hypothetical, often difficult choices they would make.
For example, you may start with this question: “WOULD YOU PREFER TO BE POOR IN A JOB YOU LOVE OR RICH IN A JOB YOU HATE?” One or the other, this or that.
Sometimes the choice will be clear, while, at other times, neither option is palatable. On these occasions, encourage your group to choose the option they dislike the least. Either way, they must make a choice.
Give everyone a few moments to consider their choice, and then invite them to share their decision – and why – with their partner. This moment is critical because it builds a level of accountability for the next step.
Now, invite each person to consider which choice they believe the majority of the whole group would make. Naturally, it is entirely possible that an individual may choose one option while believing the majority of their colleagues would choose the other. Herein lies the value of this exercise – how well do we really know others?
Again, ask everyone to share a prediction (reflecting the group result) with their partner, and, importantly, why they have made this choice.
Finally, ask for a split – invite each person who chose one proposition (eg be poor) to step to the left of some imaginary line you have identified, while those who chose the other (eg be rich) to step to the right. On most occasions, a majority will have formed for everyone to see.
To be clear, the split reflects the personal choices of each individual, which will produce a majority one way or the other reflecting the group’s preference.
Sometimes, it is enough to observe the split, and then move on to the next question. However, for some added value, award a ‘point’ to each person who accurately predicts the majority preference of the group.
At the end of, say, six to ten rounds, acknowledge those who scored the most number of points.
Here are four more propositions to get you started (you can download dozens more from the Resources tab:)
Would you prefer to…
- Go through life without chocolate, or without coffee?
- Be a bench player on a winning team or the star player on a losing team?
- Lose one of your front teeth, or lose a finger?
- Have a complete understanding of one subject or a general understanding of everything?
Play for as many rounds of questions as makes sense for your group.
Given the substance behind many of these propositions, be sure to spend a few minutes at the end of the exercise to invite your group to reflect on what they may have observed or learned during the exercise (see Reflection Tips tab for some useful starting questions.)
In case it’s not obvious, there is (often) no right answer. Unless, of course, your whole objective is to explore the ethics of each these difficult choices.
Naturally, the group-split preference works much better if you ask each partnership to not communicate with others in the group before making a decision.
Of course, it depends. Every choice we make as human beings depends on a multitude of factors. When these words are uttered – and believe me, they will at some point – simply ask your group to consider each choice at face value, all things being equal.
In theory, a group that has accurately predicted their collective results more often than not could be argued to have a solid understanding of their ‘corporate’ values, abilities or interests. But, this is not always the case. A lot depends on the sort of questions you ask, and the level of comfort people have about publicly sharing their values.
The team at Paradigm Shift who produce a set of laminated This or That cards to accompany the game.
You could integrate This or That as part of a well-designed SEL program to develop your group’s ability to understand their emotions, thoughts and values and how these influence behaviours in different situations.
Specifically, this activity offers opportunities to explore and practice the following social & interpersonal skills:
Self-Awareness
- Linking Feelings, Values & Thoughts
- Identifying Personal, Cultural & Linguistic Assets
- Recognising Strengths, Prejudices & Biases
- Demonstrating Self-Confidence, Honesty & Integrity
- Experiencing Self-Efficacy
Social Awareness
- Taking Other’s Perspectives
- Demonstrating Empathy & Compassion
- Understanding & Expressing Gratitude
- Appreciating Diversity
- Recognising Strengths In Others
- Respecting Others
Relationship Skills
- Communicate & Listen Effectively
- Build Positive Relationships
Responsible Decision-Making
- Demonstrating Curiosity & Open-Mindedness
- Making Reasoned Judgements
- Promoting Personal & Collective Well-Being
You can learn more about SEL and how it can support character education here.
There is no specific health & wellness perspective to this activity other than promoting the benefits to one’s well-being of being more self-aware.
In a small way, you could argue that this exercise promotes mindfulness to the extent that it involves many opportunities for self-contemplation but this would be considered a minor attribute of the activity. When played in pairs, this activity also promotes a degree of accountability because of what is shared in partner conversations.
If you can think of more explicit ways in which This or That could be purposefully integrated into a health and wellness program, please leave a comment at the base of this page.
Add your Comments...
Have you played this activity? What worked, what didn't work? What type of group? Do you have useful advice for other users? Do you know a fun variation?