Can some people predict the future? Why do phrases like “his mind went blank” or “a black cloud fell over him” make sense? What does our subconscious do to us? And how can behavioral psychologists help?.

Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities refer to the various mental processes we use to solve problems, make decisions, process information, and function successfully in daily life. They encompass a wide range of mental processes, including attention, perception, memory, thinking, judgment, understanding, logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and creativity.

They are crucial, first and foremost, for successful functioning in everyday life, especially in areas such as education, work, and interpersonal relationships. Different cognitive abilities develop during various stages of life, with the fastest development occurring during childhood and adolescence. However, cognitive abilities can also be developed throughout adulthood, particularly through learning and diverse experiences.

There are different ways to measure cognitive abilities, such as standardized tests or tasks. Cognitive abilities can also be improved through various forms of training and exercises.

Just as they are necessary in daily life, cognitive abilities are also key in many fields. Scientists and experts from various scientific domains strive to understand our cognitive abilities to develop better strategies for fostering their development.

Cognitive Abilities and IQ

In our country, terms like intelligence, intelligence assessment, and intelligence measurement are often used and all these terms are linked to the concept of the intelligence quotient or IQ.

Although cognitive abilities and IQ (intelligence quotient) are similar concepts, they are not the same. IQ traditionally refers to the measurement of so-called general intelligence, which is primarily based on the results of standardized intelligence tests.

Cognitive abilities consist of a broader set of mental processes, not just the general intelligence measured by IQ tests. Cognitive abilities also include skills such as creativity, cognitive flexibility, learning and memory abilities, divided attention, and mental flexibility.

In short, IQ and cognitive abilities are related concepts, but cognitive abilities encompass a wider range of mental processes, while IQ usually refers only to the measurement of general intelligence (G factor).

Problem Sensitivity or Future Prediction

Problem sensitivity is a cognitive ability that refers to a person's capacity to recognize when a problem exists or is likely to arise. Individuals with high problem sensitivity can quickly identify issues and potential problems, and are able to predict the consequences of different courses of action. Furthermore, people with high problem sensitivity are often able to identify potential problems before they escalate, allowing them to take proactive measures to prevent their occurrence. They are also adept at recognizing existing problems and are skilled at finding solutions. Problem sensitivity is a key component of many professions, including managers, or, generally, people whose job description involves making various decisions and solving problems. Those with a high level of problem sensitivity are often able to quickly identify issues that may affect an organization or team and take appropriate steps to mitigate them. Overall, problem sensitivity is an important cognitive ability that enables individuals to recognize and respond to problems in a timely and effective manner. It is a valuable skill in both personal and professional contexts, and individuals who develop this ability can be more successful in their endeavors. Or are they clairvoyant? :)

Today, problem sensitivity as a cognitive ability can be precisely "measured" in test subjects.

Subconscious

It has probably happened to all of us that we thought of something and it came true. From happy to unhappy things, situations, events. Does our subconscious, in addition to the described problem sensitivity, give us an additional ability to predict the unpredictable?

Of course not, the time of crystal balls is unfortunately long gone.

When comparing problem sensitivity and the subconscious, it's important to state that the subconscious refers to vague, unarticulated thoughts, desires, motivations, and emotions that lie beneath the conscious level. Subconscious processes are largely automatic and independent of a person's will. Although there is a connection between the conscious and subconscious mind, problem sensitivity primarily refers to conscious awareness and cognitive processes associated with the rapid recognition of problems and potential issues. Subconscious thoughts and emotions can influence our ability to recognize problems, but they are not directly linked to problem sensitivity as a cognitive ability.

However, now we come to the crucial point. Problem sensitivity is the ability to quickly recognize current and potential problems, while the subconscious mind can process information and seek solutions to problems while the conscious mind is occupied with other tasks or activities. When the subconscious mind focuses on a problem, it can happen that a person suddenly remembers something important or finds a solution to a problem that had been intractable for some time.

For example, if a person tries to solve a problem but fails after long consideration and attempts, the subconscious mind may continue to process information about the problem. When the person later perhaps focuses on something else or relaxes, the solution to the problem can suddenly "come to consciousness."

Also, when a person faces a new situation, they may unexpectedly remember a similar past situation they have already experienced that is related to the current situation. The subconscious mind can help connect this information and enable the person to better understand the situation and make a decision.

Additionally, we often suppress unpleasant information in some way; perhaps we don't even want to think about it and its consequences. However, if we can (partially) control the conscious part, we cannot do so with the subconscious. And the same thing will happen again. The subconscious mind continues to process information about the problem, and then it's not far until the "unpleasant solution" comes to consciousness. In other words, something bad, something we didn't want, happened. No, we didn't predict an unfortunate event; rather, our subconscious decided to "serve" us what we didn't want to deal with.

In short, the subconscious mind can be very helpful in finding solutions to problems, even when the conscious mind seems unable to cope.

Intuition and the Subconscious

There is a connection between intuition and the subconscious, as intuition is often considered a process of making decisions or conclusions based on an inner feeling or instinct, rather than on reasoning or logic. The subconscious mind often plays an important role in this process, as intuition is believed to be the product of a combination of conscious and unconscious information processing.

For example, a person might make an intuitive decision based on their past experiences and emotions, without being aware of how they arrived at that conclusion. Subconscious information processing can help create feelings or instincts that can serve as the basis for intuition.

Intuition can be described as an inner feeling, instinct, or insight that allows us to draw conclusions or make decisions quickly and without extensive deliberation, but unfortunately also without using logic or logical reasoning. It's often something we feel in our "gut" or "heart" that we cannot clearly define or explain.

However, intuition is not always considered reliable, as it can be a result of systematic errors in our brain (Cognitive bias – we have written a lot about this already).

Be that as it may, when we combine problem sensitivity, the subconscious, and intuition, it seems that humans can predict the future :) :)

Brain Functioning When "Using" the Cognitive Ability of Problem Sensitivity

We will now outline the parts of the brain involved in the cognitive ability of problem sensitivity, so we can refer back to this section later when discussing "clouding of the mind."

When it comes to problem sensitivity, several brain regions play an important role in this cognitive ability. Primary candidates are brain areas involved in information processing, such as the prefrontal cortex and parietal cortex.

The prefrontal cortex is located in the front of the brain and plays a crucial role in processes such as planning, decision-making, attention, and working memory. This brain area is associated with rapid problem recognition, as it deals with processing information and planning actions to solve problems.

The parietal cortex is located in the upper part of the brain and plays a key role in perception, attention, and awareness of the environment. This brain area is linked to rapid problem recognition as it processes information coming from the external world, including information about potentially problematic situations.

When recognizing potential emotional problems, the amygdala, responsible for processes related to emotions, can also get involved.

Clouding of the Mind

Generally, clouding or dimming of the mind refers to a state in which a person loses the ability for clear and rational thinking, decision-making, and control over their behavior. This state can be caused by various factors, such as physical injuries, neurological disorders, emotional stress, drug and alcohol abuse, or other psychological impairments.

In such situations, a person may feel that their mind is "clouded" or "darkened," which can cause communication difficulties, decreased cognitive functions, and problems performing daily tasks. The person may be confused, disoriented, anxious, depressed, or more prone to impulsive behavior.

Furthermore, clouding of the mind can manifest in different forms, depending on its underlying cause. For example, in the case of neurological disorders like epilepsy, clouding of the mind may be accompanied by seizures or loss of consciousness, while in stressful situations such as traumatic events or significant loss, there may be a loss of focus, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty making decisions.

What interests us is the "clouding of the mind" that occurs when someone simply drives us crazy. In this whole story, the most important part (if we disregard various neurological problems, etc.) is the control of our emotions. In this context, clouding or dimming of the mind refers to a situation where overwhelming emotions or stress can lead to a loss of control over our thinking and behavior. In such situations, there is a "breakdown in connection" between the lower part of the brain (where emotional responses are located) and the upper part of the brain (where control functions are located). In other words, the previously mentioned prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for thinking and judgment, "shuts down." And then "darkness" falls! When this happens, people can no longer think rationally, make good decisions, or control their emotional reactions.

This behavior of the brain was wonderfully described (and in much more detail) by Dr. Daniel Siegel through his "Hand Model of the Brain": https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=gm9CIJ74Oxw

Why are I-O Psychologists (Industrial-Organizational Psychologists) and Behavioral Psychologists likable to us?

In the context of observing problem sensitivity, it is a psychological construct that refers to the ability to identify and solve problems effectively.

This ability is linked to cognitive processes such as thinking, planning, creativity, abstract reasoning, and analytical skills. Psychology studies this ability from various perspectives, including cognitive, developmental, social, and organizational psychology.

Organizational psychology studies how problem sensitivity is applied in the context of workplaces and organizations. This discipline examines how people make decisions, manage time, and use their cognitive abilities to solve problems in a business environment.

Organizational psychologists are involved in studying human behavior and processes within organizations, and in developing strategies and interventions that improve organizational performance. Problem sensitivity is one of the cognitive abilities that refers to the ability to recognize and solve complex problems.

LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®

The interdisciplinarity of organizational and behavioral psychologists allows them to use various tools, techniques, and methodologies to improve organizational functioning.

This is why behavioral psychologists and organizational psychologists can use LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® to explore problem sensitivity and study human behavior in the context of creativity, play, and interaction with others.

LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is a methodology used by organizational psychologists and other experts to foster creative thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving in organizations. It is based on using Lego bricks as a tool for building metaphorical models that represent the problems and challenges organizations face.

Problem sensitivity plays an important role in the use of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, as it encourages participants to recognize and understand problems and to think creatively about their solutions. Organizational psychologists who use LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® can develop and improve this cognitive ability through the lens of problem sensitivity through training and "play" such as LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®.

On the other hand, when we talk about "clouding of the mind" where emotional control is an important component of emotional intelligence, LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® can help employees develop this skill by teaching them how to recognize their emotions, understand how they affect their behavior, and how to control them in stressful situations. LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® can also help employees learn how to express their emotions appropriately, which is important for successful communication in the workplace.