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Insight Is Not in the Problem: Investigating Insight in Problem Solving across Task Types.
Margaret E Webb1, Daniel R Little1, Simon J Cropper1
1Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Frontiers in Psychology
|October 12, 2016
Summary
Sudden insight during problem solving often leads to correct answers, but sometimes incorrect ones feel right. This study used continuous scales to measure insight feelings, confirming correct solutions yield stronger insight experiences.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience of Problem Solving
Background:
- Insight in problem solving is often linked to a sudden, seemingly obvious correct solution.
- Previous research shows insight-driven solutions may be more accurate, but some studies suggest incorrect solutions can also evoke strong confidence (feeling of warmth).
- Discrepancies may arise from task variations or how insight is measured (binary vs. continuous scales).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between insight, solution correctness, and subjective feelings.
- To explore if continuous scales provide a more nuanced measurement of insight-related affect.
- To reconcile conflicting findings on the reliability of insight as an indicator of solution accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Conducted three experiments using diverse problem types, including Compound Remote Associates (CRAs) and non-insight problems.
- Participants rated various insight-related affects (Aha-experience, confidence, surprise, impasse, pleasure) on continuous scales.
- Compared reported insight and affect for correct versus incorrect solutions.
Main Results:
- For problems designed to elicit insight, correct solutions were associated with higher reported insight.
- Correct solutions elicited stronger feelings of insight compared to incorrect solutions.
- Continuous scale ratings revealed nuanced differences in insight affect between correct and incorrect solutions.
Conclusions:
- The study supports the notion that insight is a valid indicator of solution correctness for insight-eliciting problems when measured continuously.
- Findings suggest that subjective feelings of insight are more reliably associated with accurate solutions than previously indicated.
- Continuous measurement of insight affect offers a more sensitive approach to understanding the problem-solving process.
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