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Reversible Cooling-induced Deactivations to Study Cortical Contributions to Obstacle Memory in the Walking Cat

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Stepping back to see the big picture: when obstacles elicit global processing.

Janina Marguc¹, Jens Förster, Gerben A Van Kleef

¹Department of Social Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam. j.marguc@uva.nl

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

|August 31, 2011

Summary

Encountering obstacles can broaden perspectives and enhance cognitive flexibility. This effect is most pronounced in individuals who are less prone to giving up, suggesting a link between perseverance and open-mindedness when facing challenges.

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Area of Science:

Cognitive Psychology
Behavioral Science
Decision Making

Background:

Obstacles can disrupt task performance and potentially influence cognitive processes.
The impact of obstacles on broader cognitive styles, such as global versus local processing, remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate whether encountering obstacles enhances global processing and broadens cognitive scope.
To examine the moderating role of individual differences, specifically volatility, in the relationship between obstacles and cognitive scope.

Main Methods:

Six studies were conducted using both physical and nonphysical obstacles.
Participants' global versus local processing styles were measured after encountering various obstacle conditions.
Individual differences in trait and state volatility were assessed.

Main Results:

Obstacles, both physical and nonphysical, increased perceptual and conceptual scope.
This effect was particularly evident in individuals with low volatility (i.e., those persistent in completing tasks).
Framing obstacles as challenges to overcome, rather than distractions, enhanced conceptual scope.

Conclusions:

Obstacles appear to trigger a shift towards global processing, promoting broader thinking.
This cognitive shift is more likely to occur in individuals who are motivated to persist through difficulties.
Understanding this mechanism has implications for navigating life's challenges and fostering adaptive cognitive responses.