cognitive flexibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"cognitive flexibility" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used in psychology to describe the ability to think flexibly, or to switch between different mental tasks and strategies. For example: Cognitive flexibility is an important skill for problem-solving, as it helps people to find creative solutions to difficult situations.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our findings also revealed a positive association between social cognition and cognitive flexibility.

British Journal of Psychology

In 2013, a team at UCL and University of Texas found that Starcraft aided cognitive flexibility.

The Guardian - Tech

Games have been shown to improve hand-eye coordination, cognitive flexibility, decision making, even vision.

The Guardian - Tech

A lot of it has to do with problems of focusing attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility.

The New Yorker

Aerobic exercise, which increases prefrontal cortex activity, is another way to build cognitive flexibility.

The New York Times

Cognitive flexibility.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

After aerobic endurance training, cognitive flexibility was improved.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The Trail Making Test for Preschoolers assesses cognitive flexibility.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Wisconsin Card Sorting test (WCST) was used for executive function and cognitive flexibility.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The cognitive flexibility may represent necessary step towards successful control of voluntary or automatic responses.

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

Only cognitive flexibility scores were not significantly different in this condition.

Annals of Intensive Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing problem-solving skills, highlight "cognitive flexibility" to emphasize the ability to adapt strategies as needed for optimal solutions.

Common error

While "cognitive flexibility" is accurate, using it in place of simpler terms like 'adaptability' or 'open-mindedness' can make your writing sound overly formal or technical.

Linguistic Context

Cognitive flexibility primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. As highlighted by Ludwig, it describes a specific cognitive ability. For example, "aerobic exercise, which increases prefrontal cortex activity, is another way to build cognitive flexibility."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cognitive flexibility" is a well-established and grammatically correct term used to describe the ability to adapt one's thinking processes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently employed in scientific, news, and general informational contexts. To enhance your writing, consider using "cognitive flexibility" when precision is needed, especially in technical or formal contexts, and be mindful of simpler alternatives like "mental agility" or "intellectual adaptability" in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thinking flexibility

Emphasizes the characteristic of flexible thinking.

cognitive adaptability

Highlights the adjustment of cognition in response to change.

mental agility

Focuses on the quickness and nimbleness of thought, emphasizing speed and responsiveness.

adaptable cognition

Inverts the structure of the original phrase, putting emphasis on the adaptable nature of cognition.

intellectual adaptability

Highlights the ability to adjust one's thinking to new conditions or information.

versatile thinking

Highlights the ability to apply thinking skills in diverse ways.

mental dexterity

Implies skill and finesse in handling mental tasks, akin to physical dexterity.

flexible mindset

Focuses on the overall attitude and approach to thinking, characterized by openness and adaptability.

fluid intelligence

Relates to the capacity to solve novel problems, independent of acquired knowledge.

responsive cognition

Highlights the ability of cognition to respond quickly and efficiently to external stimuli.

FAQs

How is "cognitive flexibility" measured?

Tests like the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and the Trail Making Test are commonly used to assess "cognitive flexibility" by evaluating a person's ability to switch between different tasks or rules.

What are the benefits of "cognitive flexibility"?

Cognitive flexibility enhances problem-solving skills, improves learning, and fosters creativity by enabling individuals to consider multiple perspectives and adapt to new information.

How can I improve my "cognitive flexibility"?

Engaging in activities that require switching between tasks, such as learning a new language or playing strategy games, can help improve your "cognitive flexibility".

Is "cognitive flexibility" the same as intelligence?

While "cognitive flexibility" is related to intelligence, it specifically refers to the ability to adapt and switch between different mental tasks, whereas intelligence encompasses a broader range of cognitive abilities.