IQ is often regarded as a crucial driver of success, particularly in fields such as science, innovation and technology. But the truth is that some of the greatest achievements by our species have primarily relied on what scientists call “cognitive flexibility”.
Cognitive flexibility is a skill that enables us to switch between different concepts, or to adapt behavior to achieve goals in a novel or changing environment. And the good news is that it can be trained. Currently, a group of researchers from Cambridge University are conducting some research, trying to work out how people can best boost their cognitive flexibility.
Cognitive flexibility may have affected how people coped with the pandemic lockdowns, which produced new challenges around work and schooling. Some people may have changed their routines from time to time, trying to find better and more varied ways of going about their day. Others, however, struggled and finally became more rigid in their thinking. They stuck to the same routine activities, with little flexibility or change.
Flexible thinking is key to creativity. It also supports academic and work skills such as problem solving. Unlike working memory, it is largely independent of IQ. For example, many visual artists may be of average intelligence, but highly creative and have produced masterpieces.
So does cognitive flexibility make people smarter in a way that isn’t always captured on IQ tests? We know that it leads to better rational thinking throughout the lifespan. For example, for children it leads to better reading abilities and better school performance.
It can also help protect against a number of prejudice. People who are cognitively flexible are better at recognizing potential faults in themselves and using strategies to overcome these faults.
Cognitive flexibility is essential for society to flourish. It can help maximize the potential of individuals to create innovative ideas and creative inventions. Ultimately, it is such qualities that we need to solve the big challenges of today.
【小题1】What is the purpose of the research conducted by Cambridge University researchers?| A．To clarify people’s misunderstanding about cognitive flexibility. |
| B．To figure out the relationship between IQ and cognitive flexibility. |
| C．To explore effective ways to improve people’s cognitive flexibility. |
| D．To make out the benefits of increasing people’s cognitive flexibility. |
| A．Stick to their original plan. | B．Handle new problems rigidly. |
| C．Adjust their thoughts and behavior. | D．Apply creative ideas to improve their IQ. |
| A．It is closely related to people’s IQ. | B．It helps improve working memory. |
| C．It is an unchangeable inborn quality. | D．It helps develop reasonable thinking. |
| A．To show they are intelligent. | B．To praise their great achievements. |
| C．To show they are cognitively flexible. | D．To praise their good working memory. |
| A．Benefits of cognitive flexibility. | B．Definitions of cognitive flexibility. |
| C．Applications of cognitive flexibility. | D．Experiments on cognitive flexibility. |
