Definition: Einstellung is a German term for "set". The Einstellung Effect refers to a fixed mental set or attitude that stops us seeking alternatives.
Insight: When we are familiar with a problem and have a response or answer we tend to stop seeing alternative solutions.
Insight: Our education systems have tended to reward the right answer, rather than finding creative solutions to problems or to reframe questions.
Insight: Without reframing problems we are stuck with set responses or answers.
Insight: Rigid education systems can disconnect us from real world problems - in a dynamic environment.
Principle: Look for ways to reframe or redefine problems or questions.
Principle: Ask whether you are solving the right problem.
Definition: A mental set - ways of doing things.
Insight: The Einstellung Effect can blind us to alternatives.
Insight: Success can lead to confidence in habits and routines that cause people to fail to look for better methods.
Insight: Sometimes the more experience people have, the harder it is for them to gain fresh perspective or insights.
Insight: Automaticity (doing without thinking) can produce an Einstellung Effect.
Definition: The tendency of problem solvers to only use familiar methods, even if there are alternatives or better ones available.
Key Insights & Principles
Problem Solving & Creativity
Fixed problems tend to lead to set ways of doing things.
Success can breed confidence in habits and a tendency to not look for alternative solutions.
Rigid systems, including education, that reward getting the 'right' answer can limit creative thinking about the problem or alternative solutions.
Question whether you are solving the right problem.
Look for ways to reframe or redefine problems.
Continuously look for alternative methods to solve problems.
