Variability and harshness shape flexible strategy-use, support for the Constrained Flexibility Framework

Abstract

Human cognition is incredibly flexible, allowing us to thrive within diverse environments. However, humans also tend to stick to familiar strategies, even when there are better solutions available. How do we exhibit flexibility in some contexts, yet inflexibility in others? The Constrained Flexibility Framework (CFF) proposes that cognitive flexibility is shaped by variability, predictability, and harshness within decision-making environments. The CFF asserts that high elective flexibility (switching away from a working strategy) is maladaptive in stable or predictably variable environments, but adaptive in unpredictable environments, so long as harshness is low. Here we provide evidence for the CFF using a decision-making task completed by 100 English-speaking adults. In line with the CFF, we found that elective flexibility was suppressed in Stable Not Harsh, Stable Harsh, and Variable Harsh conditions compared to the Variable Not Harsh condition. Our results highlight the need to study how cognitive flexibility adapts to diverse contexts.