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Switching Cognitive Gears

From Habits of Mind to Active Thinking

Bibliographic Data

ID9890953
AuthorsMeryl Reis Louis (Boston University, corresponding author), Robert I Sutton (Stanford University)
Year1991
Volume44
Issue1
Pages55-76
Publication date1991-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHuman Relations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0018-7267 • E-ISSN: 1741-282X
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/001872679104400104
OpenAlexW2124815848
LanguageEN
Citations received70
References cited37

The phrase "switching cognitive gears" is used to call attention to the fact that cognitive functioning involves the capacity to shift between cognitive modes, from automatic processing to conscious engagement and back again. Effectiveness may be as much a function of an actor's capacity to sense when a switch is appropriate, as to process in one or another mode. In this paper the authors develop a perspective on the switch from automatic to active thinking and the conditions that provoke it. They apply the perspective to work settings and identify types of situations in which actors are expected to switch from habits of mind to active thinking. They propose further work to develop a framework for understanding the switch from active thinking to automatic

Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Cognitive science · Convergent thinking · Creative thinking · Creativity · Function (biology · Human–computer interaction · Mode (computer interface · Perspective (graphical · Phrase · Process (computing · Vertical thinking · Work (physics · Artificial Intelligence · Computer Science · Engineering · Management and Organizational Studies · Management Theory and Practice · Organizational Downsizing and Restructuring · Psychology · Social Psychology

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Unique citing works70
Citations per year1,94
Citation span1990 - 2026 (37)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 69
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