The article describes the features of the application of diagnostic techniques in the study of the phenomenon of person cognitive flexibility. We describe the components of mental flexibility, methods and stages of their study. Characterology analyzed the effect of cognitive ability to switch to the educational activity of the individual. It is characterized by the ability to use mobile intelligence in everyday life. Are the key factors of development of the cognitive component of the thought process. Pay more attention to the overcoming of centering - the propensity of children to focus on only one aspect of a situation or object.