Mental states in the functioning of an intellectual event

Context and relevance. The article discusses mental states in an intellectual event. In modern psychology, V.A. Barabanshchikov proposed the term “perceptual event” to study the ontological characteristics of perception. Similarly, an intellectual event is proposed that reflects and implements the ontology of the subject's thinking. Considering the problem-solving process not only within the framework of the cognitive paradigm (as the use of processes, actions, and forms) when interacting with a cognizable object, but also in ontology, as an event with at least three planes — interactive, subjective, and procedural — provides a systematic analysis of mental activity. At the same time, thinking is a process that is initiated and functions under the influence of the “motive-goal” vector (thinking as an activity), which is included in the relationship between a person and other people, as well as the culture in general (through the conceptual representation of the object), and which unfolds in specific internal conditions (the physiological and psychological state of the subject). Mental states, particularly the experiences of success or failure in an activity, can have a significant impact on the personal and cognitive components of thinking. Objective: to study the relationship between mental states of success and failure in activity and cognitive and personal components of thinking in problem solving. Hypothesis. In general, the process of solving problems is carried out by the subject in the form of an intellectual event. In an intellectual event, the mental state of experiencing the depth of success in cognitive activity is directly related to the initial and secondary levels of cognitive style, the acceptance or rejection of hints, the level of mental analysis of the conditions and requirements of the task, and the correct and creative solution of the task. Methods and materials. The study used a laboratory experiment with a quasi-experimental design, as well as a microsemantic analysis of the subjects' protocols during the task-solving process (A.V. Brushlinsky). 33 respondents participated (17 — female gender, 16 — male, age 19—22). Results. In general, the initial hypothesis about the relationship of the state of success with the secondary level of cognitive style, the level of the thinking process, the correct and creative solution of the problem. No statistical connection was found with the initial cognitive style, with the number of accepted hints. Conclusions. The state of success-failure of activity is a significant component of an intellectual event, affecting the cognitive and personal plans of thinking. The experience of success or failure in cognitive activity, combined with the level of the thinking process, leads to the transformation of certain personal and intellectual components in problem-solving.