Overcoming the Einstellung Effect for Better Problem Solving

Key takeaways

• The Einstellung Effect is a phenomenon in which subject-matter experts fail to see the best solution because they opt for solutions they have previously used.

• The Water Jar Experiment is a famous Einstellung Effect example in which participants, after solving problems requiring a complex formula, continued to use that formula when presented with problems that could be solved with a simpler one.

• You can overcome the Einstellung Effect and subsequently improve your problem-solving abilities by maintaining a beginner’s mind, collaborating with a diverse group of colleagues, prioritizing rest, and taking breaks during your problem-solving sessions.

Your awareness of the Einstellung Effect can help you improve your decision-making abilities when solving problems and building teams. Read on to learn how to spot the Einstellung Effect and what you can do to address these potential issues affecting your work.

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What is the Einstellung Effect?

The Einstellung Effect is a phenomenon in which a subject-matter expert fails to see the best solution and instead opts for answers they have used in the past. It is a common issue in many fields. Professionals draw on their experience and training to give them insight into how to find practical solutions. You may have even heard analogies in the past by professionals in this situation, with phrases such as “Solution A solved problem B, so let’s try solution A for problem C.”

What are the five cognitive biases?

The five cognitive biases are similarity bias, expedience bias, experience bias, distance bias, and safety bias, which are mental shortcuts the mind may naturally take that influence your perception, decision-making, and problem-solving ability. These include bias domains such as. Taking steps to mitigate bias, such as working in groups to open conversation, can help you challenge assumptions and reduce the risk of bias in your decision-making.

Read more: 7 Problem-Solving Skills for Workplace Success

Einstellung Effect example: How specific knowledge can interfere

Consider the following Einstellung Effect example: You have used a particular method to solve the last five problems you’ve encountered. You now have a sixth problem. Given your past success, it makes sense to use the same method to solve it. However, doing so can prevent you from seeing the problem with fresh eyes and finding an innovative solution that may be more beneficial than the previous method. Teams and individuals often look at how they solved similar situations in the past and then become fixated on using comparable solutions.

The Water Jar Experiment

Several research experiments over the years have demonstrated the Einstellung Effect. One famous example is the “Water Jar Experiment.” Researchers conducted an experiment by giving a group of participants three water jars with different capacities. The participants had to find a way to measure a specific volume of water using only these three jars.

Researchers split participants into two groups and gave one group practice problems that could only be solved using the same complex formula. Researchers then asked both groups to solve additional, simpler water jar problems. They found that the group that had solved the practice problems used the more complex formula used for the previous problems more often, even though a simpler solution existed.

How to overcome the Einstellung Effect: Problem-solving tips

You can use several strategies, including prioritizing rest and breaks, maintaining a beginner’s mind, collaborating, brainstorming, and staying aware, to reduce the likelihood of experiencing the Einstellung Effect. These problem-solving tips range from individual strategies to team dynamics. Being aware of the Einstellung Effect can help you make educated decisions when solving problems and building teams. It can also help you identify when you may be experiencing this phenomenon.

1. Get adequate rest.

You probably feel fresher after having a good night’s sleep, and lack of sleep can have more of an effect on your problem-solving skills than you realize. In one study, researchers found that fatigue increases the likelihood of experiencing the Einstellung Effect. When tired, you may have more trouble thinking creatively and face an increased temptation to seek an easier solution, such as one you have used before.

2. Focus on having a beginner’s mind.

When approaching a new problem, look at the issue as though no known solution exists. This is the “beginner’s mind,” a Zen concept in which you imagine endless possibilities to solve your problem. It can help you look at situations with a fresh perspective and identify potential solutions that were not apparent before.

One way to do this is by employing design thinking. This method involves five essential steps: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. If you make an effort to go through several stages of the design thinking process, you can refrain from jumping to a known solution right away.

3. Create diverse teams.

Working with teams is more effective than working alone. Teammates bring varying experience, expertise, backgrounds, and knowledge. They also generally have different experiences solving problems, which can minimize the collective Einstellung Effect. When building a team, look for members with complementary skills and experiences. This allows team members to challenge one another and help identify rigidity in thinking.

4. Take breaks.

Take breaks to engage in other activities and change your mind. Many people find solutions when they stop focusing directly on looking for the answer. Doing so allows your subconscious mind to work in the background, and you may have a better chance of looking at the problem with fresh eyes when you return.

5. Brainstorm new ideas to find solutions.

Writing down even your most unconventional ideas can help you break free from routine thinking and ignite fresh ideas. If you are having trouble finding new ways to look at the problem, consider employing a few brainstorming techniques to get started. For example, you might try to solve the opposite of the problem or challenge yourself to think of the most outlandish solution. While these might not be your final solution, they can help get you out of a creative rut.

6. Stay aware of the Einstellung Effect.

In many cases, simply being aware of the Einstellung Effect can help you avoid it. When you actively avoid reusing old strategies and look at the problem with an open perspective, you allow yourself to be creative and innovative. This can also help your team stay open and leave room for discussion of new and exciting ideas.

No fluff tips to help you take your next career step

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• Watch on YouTube: How Product Managers Run Brainstorming Sessions

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