Cognitive flexibility

The human brain is the most complex physical entity in the universe.

According to Science Direct: "Cognitive flexibility is the ability to flexibly allocate resources to process and manage information in a constantly changing environment (Diamond, 2013; Giller and Beste, 2019). For instance, we use cognitive flexibility to switch between paying attention to different talkers in group conversations. Typically, cognitive flexibility is studied by examining one's ability to shift between mental sets of information, or between two or more different tasks (Cañas et al., 2003; Mayr and Keele, 2000; Miyake et al., 2000; Monsell, 1996)."

Cognitive flexibility is strongly positively linked to the personality trait of openness (People who score high in the personality trait of openness tend to exhibit greater cognitive flexibility).

The Stroop Color Word Test measures a person's cognitive flexibility and their ability to engage in selective attention.

Take an online Stroop color word test: Online Stroop Color Word Test

How to increase cognitive flexibility

• 10 Keys to Cognitive Flexibility, Open Colleges
• How to improve your cognitive flexibility
• 10-Minute Tips to Improve Flexible Thinking

Journal article:

• Cognitive flexibility training for impact in real-world settings, Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences. Volume 59, October 2024, 101413

Journal articles

• Intelligence IS Cognitive Flexibility: Why Multilevel Models of Within-Individual Processes Are Needed to Realise This, Journal of Intelligence. 2022 Aug 1;10(3):49. doi: 10.3390/jintelligence10030049

See also

• Cognitive control
• Creativity

External links

• IQ tests can’t measure it, but ‘cognitive flexibility’ is key to learning and creativity
• Cognitive Flexibility: The Key to Mental Agility and Success

Videos:

• Cognitive flexibility - video playlist, video playlist