Every day we solve problems, but how do we know if our solutions are any good? What if there is a much better solution that we haven’t thought of yet? We don’t have a clear solution to every problem; we all have unknown unknowns. But even known knowns may not work for a certain problem and the Einstellung effect may occur, preventing us from considering all the available solutions.
The Einstellung effect occurs when preexisting knowledge impedes one’s ability to reach the best solution. We become unable to consider other solutions when we think we already have a one, even though it may not be the best or even accurate. It leaves us cognitively incapable of differentiating between a previous experience and the current problem.
Einstellung is a German word that translates to setting, mindset, or attitude. The brain attempts to work efficiently by referring to past solutions without giving the current problem much though. We apply previous methods to a seemingly similar problem instead of evaluating the problem on its own terms. This effect presents across disciplines and skill levels.
The classic experiment used to validate this effect was conducted by Abraham Luchins in 1942...SEE HERE
Another experiment involved analyzing chess players and their eye movements. There were two groups of players: the first with a suboptimal solution on the board along with an optimal solution and the other group just the optimal solution. The group with the suboptimal solutions continued to look at squares relating to the found solution even though they mentioned they were actively looking for a better one. Their eyes became fixated on the known solution. The Einstellung effect prevented them from viewing the board with an unbiased view even though they were intentionally trying to do so.
It seems that once we gain experience, the more likely we are to fall under its influence and fail to evaluate each problem on it own merits. We need to ask what is the fundamental difference with this problem and evaluate it without bias. In other words, we need to prevent our brains from going on autopilot. It’s not a lack of knowledge that leads to errors but the initial ideas formed from previous experience.
The Einstellung effect also presents itself as confirmation bias, where we ignore results that don’t support our preconceived beliefs. Our brains can sabotage our ability to come up with new ideas.
Chessbase published an excellent two part article that address the Einstellung Effect as it involves chessplayers.
PART 1
PART 2
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