Are you finding it difficult to solve problems effectively? The Einstellung effect might be the invisible barrier hindering your progress. Let's delve into understanding this psychological phenomenon and how it might be impacting your problem-solving abilities.
The Einstellung Effect is a cognitive trap that prevents us from seeing better or simpler solutions to problems we are trying to solve.
Here’s how to recognize it and reduce its effect:
- Place three empty water pitchers in front of you
- Pitcher A holds 21 units of water, Pitcher B holds 127 units, and Pitcher C holds 3 units
- You are supposed to fill pitcher B, then pour out enough water to fill it again
- Now you have 127 units left, so fill pitcher C and pour out the rest of the water
- Wouldn’t it have been easier just to fill pitchers A and C (15 + 3 = 18)
- Most people miss the simpler solution
The Einstellung Effect
A cognitive trap, a tendency to think in a way that leads inadvertently to less-than-optimal solutions or judgments
- When we see features of a problem that remind us of similar problems we’ve solved in the past, the first solutions that come to mind tend to follow similar lines to those past solutions
- This may be the result of our natural desire to simplify the way we process information, since simplification saves mental energy for use on harder tasks
Mitigating the Einstellung Effect
Remind yourself about the effect
- Push past the trap
- Allow incubation time
- Consciously adopt beginner’s mind
- Set aside know-it-allness and give yourself permission to view a problem through a greenhorn’s eyes
