![]() “They make assumptions, and it becomes hard to move past those assumptions, to think outside the box - like assuming that you can only manipulate numbers in the matchstick task, because it seems like a math problem,” says DeCaro. The solution was to switch the “+” to an “=”. They had to follow specific rules as to which matchsticks could be moved. The task required the study participants to arrange a series of matchsticks that created a false arithmetic statement into a true arithmetic statement. She goes on to explain that adults do similar things and points to the matchstick task used in her research. “Some children will put ‘6’ for the answer, assuming the problem is the same as previous problems they have done, with addition on the left, and the answer on the right,” says Decaro. “Usually, this is a helpful aspect of cognition, but sometimes it blocks us from being flexible or creative,” says DeCaro.Ĭhildren, for example, can have difficulty when they encounter a math problem in a format they’re not used to, such as 4 + 2 = _ + 2. What you already know or have done in the past impacts what you do next, explains Marci DeCaro, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. Though mental set can help you solve problems, it can also create obstacles when it contributes to overly rigid thinking or leaves you too set in your ways, so to speak, to consider other possibilities. In other words, if you’re more conscientious, you might have an easier time switching gears to tackle a problem in a new way. Research from 2015 links the Big Five trait conscientiousness to the flexibility needed to adapt to changes in your circumstances. While anyone can experience this phenomenon, certain personality traits could have an impact on how you handle it. As a result, they might have an easier time identifying alternate solutions. Someone with less experience, on the other hand, may not automatically reach for the tried-and-tested approach. That’s because their experience has generally taught them how to find an effective solution.īut what happens when an issue that requires a non-routine approach comes up? This same expertise can prevent them from considering other, more creative solutions that exist outside their usual solution space. repeatedly practicing a certain solutionįor example, an expert in a specific field can often solve problems more efficiently than someone new to the field.knowledge you’ve gained from dealing with similar situations in the past.Other factors that can play a part include: It tends to seek out the most familiar solution to a problem, generally speaking. Contact us today for more information about how you can get started with our services.Past experiences and habits tend to drive mental sets, in part because that’s just how your brain works. Let us at Viral Solutions help you find your creative spark and solve the problems that you face within your business. They should shed some light on the issues that you face and help you figure out how to approach your solution. The numbers you have in front of you are meant to be a launching pad, not a solution in themselves. If you’ve performed a lot of research relating to your given problem, don’t just get lost in the numbers. Make sure that these are open-minded, creative people that don’t tend to revert to the same way of solving a given problem, as they will not hold you back in finding a solution. Why not get the help of some other open-minded friends to get more brains on the case? More minds means more perspectives and ways to approach the problem. ![]() Getting that new point of view could be the difference maker you need to come up with the right solution. ![]() Not all problems can be solved with a strictly linear approach. You should be able to reverse engineer a given problem to get a new perspective if you really want to be able to find a good solution. Outstanding problem solvers list out all of the potential obstacles that could get in a way of the solution to their problem, and are prepared to overcome those obstacles as they pursue that solution. Objective and look at the entire picture, considering all possible solutions and analyzing a problem as though it’s brand new. We help overwhelmed small business owners duplicate themselves – so business can be fun again. We’ve experienced this ourselves in our own business operations, so we know just how unpleasant it is and how it can come close to crushing the motivation you had that led you to start the business in the first place. The commitment of time and resources that is necessary at the outset can leave many business owners frustrated or exhausted.
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