It's just a state of mind: The effect of deliberate and implemental mindset states on word-problem solving

In this paper, we draw on the distinction of states and traits to investigate the influence of humor and awareness prompts on solving word problems with a reflective component. Two studies with n = 144 and n = 401 mathematics pre-service teachers were conducted, using the three-item Cognitive Reflection test and a ten-item test on mathematical critical thinking, respectively. In both studies, students seeing jokes or awareness prompts showed significantly better results than students solving routine tasks before working on the test items. Drawing on the mindset theory by Gollwitzer, we explain these results with deliberate and implemental mindsets being induced by humoristic and awareness prompts prompts or routine tasks, respectively.