The Einstellung effect shows us something to think about: our brains struggle to think creatively when it comes to solving problems. We have a tendency to always use the same strategies even in different conditions.
Written and verified by the psychologist GetPersonalGrowth.
Last update: 15 November 2021
The Einstellung effect is first of all a cognitive trap that we all fall into with extreme frequency. It occurs, for example, when we try to solve a problem and, after carefully analyzing it, we determine that it has no solution. We think so because our brain thinks inflexible and is unable to take on new points of view.
To understand it better, it is enough to take into consideration a very common fact. Imagine an expert in a specific field trying to solve a sudden problem. He analyzes the situation hundreds of times and observes it from a thousand different perspectives. Well, at a certain point, a person who is foreign to the situation arrives, observes the circumstances and suddenly offers a completely amazing solution. One of those that the expert had not even taken into consideration.
But what happened? In these cases, the so-called hyperspecialization of knowledge occurs. In other words, mastering approaches, subjects and knowledge schemes without leaving room for other possibilities, without questioning or exploring new perspectives by means of lateral thinking.
At the same time, another element must be considered: the Einstellung effect does not define a specific type of personality. It is rather a mental strategy. In essence, it refers to the way our brain works, which tends to always give the same answers and solutions. It is extremely difficult for us to innovate, to be original and this is undoubtedly a big problem.
The term Einstellung is German and derives from the union of two terms: adaptation and attitude. It defines the situations in which we adapt to known solutions by preventing the use of new alternatives.
The Einstellung effect, the cognitive distortion that blocks our mind
If we already have our own problem-solving strategies, why should we waste time trying other approaches? This sentence sums up very well the mental shortcut with which we face many of our problems. In a certain sense, we act in this way because the human being integrates in himself a large number of preconceived ideas, with which he "works" every day, those that save time and give back a feeling of efficiency.
However, sometimes things happen that challenge us to show us that our acquired knowledge often hinders the opportunity to adopt creative and original approaches. Our brain, in fact, works by habits.
It gives more and more value to what is stored in experience rather than improvisation, to try something else. It is worth more than a "It has always been done so" that a "let's try to see what happens".
Great experts are less creative (Einstellung effect)
The Einstellung effect was first described in 1942 by Dr. Abraham Luchins. He proved a surprising fact: the best experts in a subject generally make less use of creative and innovative thinking… But how is this possible?
When you have a lot of experience in something, it's harder to question yourself. People tend to adhere to a narrow cognitive scheme to rely on their experiences. This means that in some cases, the presence of a "non-expert" on the subject helps to bring fresh and original ideas, adding value to known perspectives. A curious fact, but undoubtedly frequent.
Start with yourself to develop more flexible thinking
We've all heard about lateral thinking, the flexible mind, the value of creativity and the need to innovate. We know that it is necessary to use and express these dimensions, and that applying them to one's work, lifestyle and thinking would significantly improve the well-being and even the progress of society.
However, we must admit that these changes are not always appreciated. In most workplaces, the status quo prevails and the "do what we are used to doing, at least we know it works". This explains why the Einstellung effect forces us to face different problems with the same solutions, thus stopping any progress.
But what can be done? In fact, we should start making several changes. Starting with yourself is essential to motivate others, to create more innovative, flexible and open realities. These are some aspects to think about.
How to reduce the Einstellung effect?
- When you find yourself solving a problem, don't stop at the first ideas that come to your mind. Try to broaden your approach.
- Cultivate knowledge, expand your knowledge. You are likely to be an expert in some areas, however, delving into others will help you adopt a broader horizon in terms of perspectives and also to relativize.
- Keep the reactions of the mind under control and avoid conformism. It is common to answer with a "I know well" or "Why try other ways if I already know that this works" ... These arguments are the basis of the Einstellug effect. It is good to avoid them.
- Have the courage to unlearn certain things in order to learn them from other perspectives and approaches.
- Listen to those around you, follow points of view opposite to yours, try to improvise, to train the creative brain muscle.
Finally, resorting to a more open, flexible and original lateral approach takes time. It is necessary to re-educate the brain, to invite it to stop clinging to preconceptions to get closer to the news and, therefore, to continue learning, to grow.
