Improve Your Problem-Solving: Master the Einstellung Effect

Key takeaways

The Einstellung Effect is a phenomenon where subject-matter experts cannot see the best solution, instead opting for previous solutions.

• Teams and individuals often look at how they solved similar situations in the past and become fixated on using comparable solutions, overlooking more creative approaches.

• Using a “beginner’s mind” approach for new problems can help you have a fresh perspective and identify potential solutions that were not apparent before. 

• You can improve your problem-solving skills by ensuring you have adequate rest, consulting with diverse teams, taking time to brainstorm, and staying aware of the Einstellung Effect.

Discover how you can spot the Einstellung Effect and what you can do to address these potential issues affecting your work. You can use this awareness to better understand both human and AI problem-solving strategies, such as those covered in the AI Foundations for Everyone Specialization. This Specialization will familiarize you with IBM Watson AI services that enable any business to quickly and easily employ pre-built AI smarts to their products and solutions. You will also learn about creating intelligent virtual assistants and how they can be leveraged in different scenarios. By the end, you’ll have a shareable certificate to add to your professional profile.

What is the Einstellung Effect? 

The Einstellung Effect is a phenomenon that exists when a subject-matter expert cannot see the best solution and instead opts for answers they used in the past. It is a common issue in many fields. Professionals will look to 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 mental shortcuts the mind may naturally make that influence your perception, decision-making, and problem-solving ability. These include bias domains such as similarity bias, expedience bias, experience bias, distance bias, and safety bias. Taking steps to mitigate bias, such as working in groups to open conversation around bias, can help you challenge assumptions and reduce risk of bias in your decision-making.

Read more: 7 Problem-Solving Skills That Can Help You Be a More Successful Manager

Einstellung effect examples: How specific knowledge can interfere

Teams and individuals often look at how they solved similar situations in the past, and then they can become fixated on using comparable solutions. For example, if you have used a particular method to solve the last five problems, it makes sense to try and use the same method to solve the sixth problem. However, doing so can block you from looking at the problem with fresh eyes and finding an innovative solution that may be more beneficial than the previous method.

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 with these jars. For example, researchers might give participants jars A, B, and C holding 127, 21, and three water units, respectively. Researchers would then ask participants to measure 100 units with these jars. 

Researchers split participants into two groups and gave one group five practice problems. For this group, researchers designed practice problems with solutions using the same method (A-B-2C). Researchers then asked both groups to solve four water jar problems. Researchers found that the group with the practice problems used the A-B-2C method more often, even if a simpler solution existed.

Researchers then gave the two groups a problem that did not use the A-B-2C solution. The group with the practice problems using the same method could not find the solution for this problem, which indicated to researchers that the Einstellung Effect was occurring. 

How to overcome the Einstellung Effect: Problem-solving tips 

You can use several strategies 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.

It’s no secret that people typically feel fresher after having a good night’s sleep. However, lack of sleep might 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 “outside the box” and face the increased temptation to try and find 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 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 feel you might be 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 end 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 from 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

You can build job-ready skills that position you for new opportunities and help you stand out by subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat. Discover emerging industries, educational opportunities, skill development, and more. Or, start building skills with our free resources:

• Learn from experts: AI Problem-Solving Tactics: Expert Insights from Vanderbilt’s Dr. Jules White

• Explore top courses: The Ultimate Course on Problem-Solving: Professor Sriram Sankaranarayanan Talks Algorithms

• Watch on YouTube: Coursera: Build Skills for Your Next Career Move

Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses.

Build job-ready skills with Coursera Plus

Start 7-day free trial

• 
• 
• 
• 

Start 7-day free trial