Reopening the mind: how cognitive closure kills creative thinking

Reopening the mind: how cognitive closure kills creative thinking
Variability, Not Repetition, is the Key to Mastery

In our quest for knowledge and problem-solving, we often find ourselves facing cognitive closure, the need to find a definitive answer that aligns with our existing knowledge. This need for closure stems from our aversion towards ambiguity and the discomfort it brings. We strive to eliminate uncertainty and arrive at a definite conclusion as quickly as possible, even if it means making mistakes or distorting new information.

However, this urgency and permanence tendency can hinder creative thinking and innovation. When faced with complex problems that require creative solutions, our need for cognitive closure can lead us to accept any answer that fits our existing knowledge. We may selectively choose information that aligns with our beliefs and ignore alternative perspectives. This narrow-minded approach limits our ability to think outside the box and explore new possibilities.

To overcome this cognitive closure and foster creative thinking, there are several actionable steps we can take. Firstly, it is important to understand where we sit on the scale of the need for closure. By recognizing our inclination towards closure, we can consciously challenge ourselves to be more open to ambiguity and uncertainty.

Creating a psychologically safe environment is another crucial step. When we feel threatened or afraid of making mistakes, our need for closure increases. On the other hand, when we feel safe to experiment and take risks, our need for closure decreases. By fostering a culture that encourages learning from mistakes and embraces a growth mindset, we can reduce the pressure to find immediate answers and allow for more open-ended exploration.

Furthermore, falling in love with problems rather than seeking quick solutions can greatly enhance our ability to think creatively. Instead of rushing towards closure, we can train ourselves to be comfortable with open issues that may never have a satisfactory resolution. Keeping a set of favorite problems in mind, as suggested by Richard Feynman, allows us to continuously engage with them and test new ideas and approaches.

In addition, learning in public can be a valuable practice. Instead of waiting until we have a fully-formed answer, we can share our early ideas and engage in discussions with others. This not only helps us refine our thinking but also encourages diverse perspectives and insights.

On the other hand, when it comes to mastering complex skills, variability plays a crucial role. While repetition is often emphasized as the key to mastery, research shows that practicing in varied contexts with varied methods leads to more robust learning. This is known as contextual interference, which improves the transfer of learning to new situations.

Identifying problems correctly and associating the correct technique with each problem is essential. The extra effort required to retrieve the right response strengthens memory and enhances learning. Experts tend to focus on the deep principles of a problem, while novices get distracted by superficial features. By exposing ourselves to multiple examples and varied methods, we can develop a deeper understanding of complex skills.

However, it is important to note that variability in practice is not always beneficial for beginners or lower-performing individuals. It is crucial to gradually introduce variability and ensure that the methods used are reliable and effective. Mixing up problems and working with multiple teachers, peers, and styles can help increase variability in learning. Adding constraints that force us away from dominant strategies can also enhance our ability to think creatively and find innovative solutions.

In conclusion, both cognitive closure and variability play significant roles in our thinking and learning processes. While cognitive closure can hinder creative thinking and innovation, variability is crucial for mastering complex skills. By recognizing our need for closure and actively challenging it, creating a psychologically safe environment, falling in love with problems, and learning in public, we can foster a more open and creative mindset. Similarly, by embracing variability in our learning and practice, mixing up problems, and working with diverse methods and perspectives, we can enhance our ability to master complex skills and think more creatively.