What Does Cognitive Flexibility Mean?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Cognitive flexibility varies during the lifespan of an individual. ... For example, when sorting cards based on specific rules , children are considered cognitively flexible if they are able to successfully switch from sorting cards based on the color of the object to sorting based on the type of object on the card.

What is an example of cognitive flexibility?

Cognitive flexibility varies during the lifespan of an individual. ... For example, when sorting cards based on specific rules , children are considered cognitively flexible if they are able to successfully switch from sorting cards based on the color of the object to sorting based on the type of object on the card.

What do you mean by cognitive flexibility?

Cognitive flexibility is the ability to adapt our behaviour and thinking in response to the environment . ... The ability to think about multiple things at the same time. The ability to modify thinking based on a change in expectations and/or demands.

In what ways is cognitive flexibility a strength?

Students who exhibit strength in cognitive flexibility and control handle transitions easily, can shift between subjects and tasks in stride , and may have success in tasks that require them to apply learning in one arena to problem solving in another context.

Which part of the brain is responsible for cognitive flexibility?

Previous studies have found that the prefrontal cortex is essential for cognitive flexibility, and that a part of the thalamus called the mediodorsal thalamus also contributes to this ability.

What are the benefits of cognitive flexibility?

If you have cognitive flexibility, you’ll be energized by change, adapting quickly and readily to the unknown . You’ll enjoy testing and learning new skills, and you’re able to consider multiple concepts simultaneously.

What are the 8 cognitive skills?

Cognitive skills are the essential qualities your brain utilizes to think, listen, learn, understand, justify, question, and pay close attention .

How do you become flexible with cognitive?

  1. 7 Ways to Develop Cognitive Flexibility. ...
  2. Alter your everyday routine. ...
  3. Seek out new experiences. ...
  4. Practice thinking creatively. ...
  5. Don’t always take the easy way. ...
  6. Go out of your way to meet new people. ...
  7. Transfer your learning. ...
  8. Challenge your morals.

How do you become mentally flexible?

  1. Change the context. Take a vacation. ...
  2. Try something new. Learn to dance, pick up a new language or cook a new recipe. ...
  3. Question your thoughts and words. Become aware of what you’re thinking and saying. ...
  4. Plan to be spontaneous. Change up your regular routine. ...
  5. Mix up the way you think.

Why is mental flexibility important?

Mental flexibility allows us to see things from different perspectives and appreciate another person’s point of view . It’s what keeps us from getting emotionally stuck and helps us go with the flow of life. ... Mental flexibility is an essential life skill.

Does cognitive flexibility decrease with age?

Cognitive flexibility declines with age and often results in an inability to adapt to new situations and environments. The Wisconsin card sorting task, which requires individuals to adapt to new rules, shows that normal aging decreases cognitive flexibility in humans (Boone et al., 1993).

Which age shows the greatest degree of cognitive flexibility?

Generally adults ages 25 and up are thought to display the greatest degree of cognitive flexibility.

Which test is most often used to assess a child’s cognitive flexibility?

Consistent with the approach to examine cognitive flexibility via task switching performance, the Trail Making Test (TMT) is a widely used neuropsychological measure of mental flexibility and executive function [26].

What is cognitive ability and skills?

Cognitive abilities are brain-based skills we need to carry out any task from the simplest to the most complex. They have more to do with the mechanisms of how we learn, remember, problem-solve, and pay attention, rather than with any actual knowledge.

Is cognitive flexibility a skill?

Many of these traits are embedded in what scientists call “cognitive flexibility” – a skill that enables us to switch between different concepts, or to adapt behaviour to achieve goals in a novel or changing environment. It is essentially about learning to learn and being able to be flexible about the way you learn .

Is cognitive flexibility a soft skill?

According to the The World Economic Forum, the top ten skills that will be needed in the workplace of the future are the ‘soft’ skills, the innate human skills that simply cannot, at this point, be replaced by artificial intelligence or technology in general. Included on this list, is cognitive flexibility.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.