Einstellung Effect — A Mechanized State of Mind
Did it ever happen to you that you were stuck with a math problem or say a bug in your code and you were compulsively revisiting certain parts of it, hysterically looking for the correct solution but to no avail? Then when you checked the answer key and all of a sudden realized that the solution was quite easy and obvious but what was hindering you from resolving the issue is that you were obsessively clinging to a certain preconceived solution approach.
If yes, guess what? We aren’t alone and it’s quite common in science. In psychology, there is a term for it — Einstellung effect, meaning mindset in German. It’s a phenomenon wherein a simple initial thought or idea, you already have in your mind prevents you from reaching the actual or even better solution. That is a person’s predisposition becomes their roadblock.
But why does it happen?
We humans find comfort in familiarity and the concept of least effort is engraved in us and for the same, we sometimes end up in a cognitive trap. It might sound counter-intuitive but expertise isn’t always that great after all, especially when it comes to creative pursuits. Expertise strengthens certain cognitive structures due to the firing of the same neural pathways because of the repeated use of a solution making it less resource demanding, almost automating the process and thereby inhibiting other synaptic connections. At times our initial intuition can end up sabotaging novelty because some impressions are illusions after all.
Then how to overcome such cognitive biases and hurdles?
Well, firstly it is important to realize that we might know what we think we don’t know and similarly we might not know what we think we already know. Awareness is essential and so is being inquisitive. Before coming up with a solution we must enquire — ask a lot of questions, read the topic deeply and broadly. After all, it is necessary to know how to swim before we dive. Once we come up with a solution reanalyzing is necessary. Rethink- is it an optimal solution or is there a better way around? Like Voltaire said “Good is the enemy of great”. Also, it’s a good practice to leave the work for a while before revisiting. Breaks aren’t our enemies in fact they complement our efforts when used properly. Although we are disconnected from the problem, our diffusive mode of thinking works in the background, triggering different parts of our brain. So, when you come back you usually find a new perspective and often a better one. And finally, ask for help when taking advice. It is a good idea to have diverse opinions and this is the very reason why collaboration and teamwork are often so effective.
Our subconscious mind indeed envisages a lot of our actions however a little self-awareness can as a forward thrust. Real solutions are important in math and science but more so for life in general.
