PUBLICATION
Research-Based Evidence to Support the Evolved Problem Solving Model
By: Mary Miele, Education Consultant, Founder of Evolved Education Company
Research across neuroscience, psychology, and education supports the idea that asking questions engages the brain’s mechanisms for seeking answers. Here are key findings from various studies:
The Zeigarnik Effect: Remembering Unfinished Tasks
Psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik discovered that people tend to remember unfinished or interrupted tasks better than completed ones. This phenomenon, known as the Zeigarnik effect, suggests that when a task is left incomplete, it creates a cognitive tension that keeps the brain engaged until the task is resolved.
As noted in a review of her work:
“Bluma Zeigarnik… first reported that memory is better for interrupted tasks than for completed tasks.”
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32291585/
Curiosity and Dopamine: The Brain’s Reward System
Curiosity triggers the brain’s reward system, leading to the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. A study published in Neuron found:
“Curiosity states are related to modulations in activity in the dopaminergic circuit and that these modulations impact memory encoding and consolidation.”
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6891259/
This means that when we ask questions driven by curiosity, our brain rewards us, enhancing learning and retention.
Neuroscience of Attention and Focus: Engaging the Prefrontal Cortex
Asking questions activates the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is involved in attention, focus, and decision-making. This engagement helps us concentrate on finding answers and solving problems.
While specific studies linking question-asking to prefrontal cortex activation are limited, research on curiosity indicates:
“Curiosity helps us learn about a topic, and being in a curious state also helps the brain memorize unrelated information.”
Source: https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/curiosity-helps-learning-and-memory
Socratic Method and Inquiry-Based Learning: Stimulating Critical Thinking
Educational approaches like the Socratic method and inquiry-based learning emphasize the importance of asking questions to stimulate cognitive engagement and critical thinking. These methods encourage students to actively seek out answers, fostering independent learning and better retention.
An article on curiosity highlights:
“Exploring your curiosity can be incredibly good for your mind, with benefits for learning, creativity and even job enjoyment.”
Source: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220831-curiosity-the-neglected-trait-that-drives-success
Metacognition and Self-Questioning: Enhancing Awareness of Thought Processes
Metacognitive strategies, such as self-questioning, improve comprehension and problem-solving by making individuals more aware of their cognitive processes. When asking themselves questions, students can identify knowledge gaps and direct cognitive resources toward filling them. This reflective practice enhances learning and retention. It simply makes learning better!
Why Do Questions Matter in the Evolved Education Problem-Solving Model?
Asking questions engages the brain, enhances problem-solving, and makes learning more effective. It makes learning better! Whether through the Zeigarnik effect, dopamine-driven curiosity, prefrontal cortex activation, inquiry-based learning, or metacognitive questioning, the research clearly supports the cognitive benefits of questioning.
The Evolved Education Problem-Solving Model, which I outline and further explain in the book The Power of Problem Solving is built on this principle. The next sections will explore practical steps and real-life examples, showing how asking the right questions can improve learning, thinking, and decision-making.
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