ClassX Video Lessons Brain Bias: Why You Shouldn’t Emulate Geniuses and Their Rigid Thinking Processes | Barbara Oakley
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a mental rut, where your thinking becomes rigid and predictable? This is known as “Einstellung,” a phenomenon where we become so convinced that our initial approach is the only correct one that we fail to see better alternatives. This mindset can limit our ability to adapt and grow in various areas of our lives.
As we grow from infancy, our brains form numerous synaptic connections. However, as we age, we may lose the ability to perceive certain stimuli unless we actively engage with them. For instance, by six months, infants might lose the ability to hear specific sounds from languages they haven’t been exposed to. To counteract this natural decline, it’s crucial to seek out new experiences and stimuli throughout our lives.
Incorporating small changes into our daily routines can help break the cycle of rigid thinking. Simple actions, like sitting in a different spot at the dinner table or brushing our teeth with the opposite hand, can stimulate our brains and encourage flexibility. Traveling is another effective way to step outside our comfort zones and gain new perspectives.
Ramon y Cajal, a Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist, highlighted the importance of persistence and adaptability when faced with new information. He worked with many geniuses but attributed his success to his ability to change his mind when the data contradicted his beliefs. This adaptability is crucial, especially for those who are highly intelligent and may not often experience being wrong.
My experiences as a Russian translator on Soviet trawlers revealed the risks of living in an echo chamber. The crew had no exposure to Western ideas and believed all capitalists were evil. Their misconceptions arose from a lack of diverse perspectives and a fear of expressing dissenting opinions. This mirrors today’s polarized society, where people often only consume information that reinforces their existing beliefs.
To foster a more open and understanding society, it’s vital to maintain dialogue across different viewpoints. Engaging with diverse opinions can help us become more empathetic and open-minded. The fear of expressing “wrong think” can stifle conversation and lead to groupthink, where individuals feel pressured to conform to the dominant narrative within their circles.
Having witnessed the Soviet Union’s mastery of fake news, I understand that misinformation can come from any source. It’s crucial to approach news critically, recognizing that both sides of any issue can spread false information. Developing critical thinking skills involves stepping back from emotional reactions and evaluating information objectively, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.
Breaking free from mental ruts requires a commitment to flexibility and openness. By embracing new experiences, engaging in dialogue with differing opinions, and practicing critical thinking, we can cultivate a more adaptable mindset that allows for growth and understanding in an increasingly polarized world.
Reflect on a recent situation where you felt stuck in your thinking. Write a short essay describing the situation and identify any “Einstellung” moments. Consider alternative approaches you could have taken and how they might have changed the outcome. Share your insights with a classmate and discuss how recognizing these patterns can help in future scenarios.
Engage in a sensory experience that is new to you, such as trying a new cuisine, listening to music from a different culture, or learning a few phrases in a foreign language. Document your experience and reflect on how it challenged your usual perceptions. Discuss with your peers how such activities can help maintain and create new synaptic connections.
For one week, incorporate a small change into your daily routine each day. This could be as simple as taking a different route to class or using your non-dominant hand for tasks. Keep a journal of your experiences and any changes in your thinking or problem-solving abilities. Share your findings in a group discussion, focusing on how these changes affected your mental flexibility.
Participate in a structured debate on a controversial topic. Before the debate, research both sides of the argument thoroughly. During the debate, practice active listening and strive to understand the opposing viewpoint. Afterward, write a reflection on how engaging with different perspectives influenced your understanding of the topic and your ability to think flexibly.
Attend a workshop focused on developing critical thinking skills. Engage in exercises that challenge you to evaluate information critically, such as analyzing news articles for bias or identifying logical fallacies in arguments. Reflect on how these skills can help you navigate misinformation and enhance your ability to think independently and adaptively.
Flexibility – The ability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements in thinking or behavior. – In critical thinking, flexibility allows students to consider multiple perspectives and adapt their strategies when solving complex problems.
Thinking – The process of considering or reasoning about something, often involving the use of logic and analysis. – Effective thinking in psychology involves evaluating evidence and forming reasoned conclusions based on empirical data.
Einstellung – A cognitive trap where an individual relies on familiar solutions rather than exploring new approaches. – The Einstellung effect can hinder critical thinking by preventing students from considering innovative solutions to psychological problems.
Learning – The acquisition of knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching. – In psychology, learning theories explore how individuals acquire new behaviors and information through various processes.
Novelty – The quality of being new, original, or unusual, often stimulating interest or attention. – Introducing novelty in educational settings can enhance students’ engagement and promote deeper critical thinking.
Change – The process of becoming different, often requiring adaptation and new ways of thinking. – Embracing change is essential for developing critical thinking skills, as it encourages students to question assumptions and explore new ideas.
Persistence – The continued effort to achieve a goal despite difficulties or obstacles. – Persistence in critical thinking involves maintaining focus and effort in analyzing complex psychological theories and data.
Adaptability – The capacity to adjust to new conditions or environments, often involving a change in thinking or behavior. – Adaptability is crucial in psychology, as it allows researchers to modify their approaches in response to new findings or challenges.
Dialogue – A conversation or exchange of ideas aimed at reaching a deeper understanding or resolving differences. – Engaging in dialogue with peers can enhance critical thinking by exposing students to diverse perspectives and fostering collaborative problem-solving.
Critical – Involving careful judgment or evaluation, often questioning assumptions and seeking evidence. – A critical approach in psychology requires students to rigorously analyze theories and research findings to draw valid conclusions.
