When college students are asked to solve a puzzle problem independently, only about 10% solve it correctly. Then, when students who did not solve the problem were allowed to discuss the problem together, 75% got it right. This illustrates the participants' _____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The increase in correct answers from 10% to 75% after group discussion indicates cognitive flexibility, or the ability to adapt and change one's thinking based on new information or perspectives. Emotional flexibility or inflexibility is not relevant to this scenario. Cognitive inflexibility would refer to individuals who were unable to change their initial incorrect approach even after discussion with others, which is not what is observed here.

When College Students Are Asked to Solve a Puzzle Problem