C010

Cognitive Flexibility

B01 Attention & Processing
Core LayerMML-1

Version v1.3.2

Definition

A baseline ease of changing approach, rule, or mental frame when circumstances shift or a strategy becomes ineffective; an ability to avoid getting trapped in a single model.

Poles

Each HES element is a spectrum, not a category: the Low and High poles describe how it presents at its two extremes, while the Reference marks the typical, everyday middle. The poles map variation across the range — neither end is inherently better or worse.

Low Pole

Cognitive rigidity: a tendency to cling to prior approaches despite changed conditions; difficulty switching rules, accepting a new frame, or restructuring strategy.

High Pole

Reframing is comparatively easy. The person generates alternatives, shifts strategies quickly, and exits dead-ends faster.

Reference

Flexibility is adequate within familiar ranges but drops under threat, evaluation pressure, fatigue, or high uncertainty.

Measure

Set-shift cost—additional time and/or errors incurred when switching to a new rule/strategy compared with performance under a stable rule.

Measuring Methods

• Rule-switch paradigms quantifying time/error costs at transitions.
• Practical problems that require a genuine strategy shift after conditions change; measure time to stable correct strategy.

Empirical Anchor

Cognitive flexibility (Miyake et al., 2000); set-shifting (Monsell, 2003); Wisconsin Card Sorting Test construct.

Notes

• Risks at MAX: excessive switching, instability of course, premature abandonment of workable approaches.
• Risks at MIN: chronic dead-ends, poor adaptation in changing environments, reduced learning effectiveness.
• Differs from C002Attention Switching Speed (shifting focus vs. switching rules/frames/strategies).

Citation

APA

Human Elements System. (2026). Cognitive Flexibility (HES Passport C010, v1.3.2). hestable.com. https://hestable.com/passport/C010

BibTeX

@misc{hes_C010, author = {{Human Elements System}}, title = {{Cognitive Flexibility}}, year = {2026}, note = {HES Passport C010, v1.3.2}, howpublished = {\url{https://hestable.com/passport/C010}} }