Final answer:
Flexibility in cognition refers to the ability to adjust thought patterns, with 'shifting' being the term that most closely aligns with this concept.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term flexibility in the context of cognitive processes refers to the ability to adapt one's thought patterns to new or changing situations, and the term most closely associated with this concept among the choices provided is shifting. This cognitive flexibility involves the activation of the prefrontal cortex which helps to restrain the stress and sympathetic nervous systems, consequently promoting cognitive and emotional flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is essential for tasks that require divergent thinking and creative problem-solving, and it stands in contrast to cognitive rigidity, where an individual may find it challenging to move away from known patterns or solutions.