Human Insight Problem Solving

Eight experiments were conducted using a suite of
insight problems including the cheap necklace
problem (CNP), 8-ball, and 9-dot. A set of
experiments investigated the effects of two hints
derived from two contemporary theoretical accounts
of insight Criterion for Satisfactory Progress
theory (CSP) and Representational Change Theory
(RCT). Fewer participants in the CSP condition used
maximizing moves. They required fewer trials to
reach solution in the CSP. The second set of
experiments investigated metacognition in the form
of feelings-of-warmth (FOW) ratings for each move in
insight. The microstructure of problem-solving lent
support to CSP while the macrostructure lent support
to RCT. The highest ratings corresponded to
maximizing moves showing apparent progress
supporting the CSP theory. An experiment controlled
look-ahead by limiting the time to judge each move
in a sequence of moves in the CNP. Partial support
was found for the CSP theory. CSP and RCT are not
necessarily incompatible. The last set of
experiments found correlations among problem solving
ability, look-ahead ability, fluid intelligence,
working memory, and practice.

Autorentext

Yun Chu, Ph.D.: Cognitive Psychology at State University New York, Purchase College.

Klappentext

Eight experiments were conducted using a suite of insight problems including the cheap necklace problem (CNP), 8-ball, and 9-dot. A set of experiments investigated the effects of two hints derived from two contemporary theoretical accounts of insight-Criterion for Satisfactory Progress theory (CSP) and Representational Change Theory (RCT). Fewer participants in the CSP condition used maximizing moves. They required fewer trials to reach solution in the CSP. The second set of experiments investigated metacognition in the form of feelings-of-warmth (FOW) ratings for each move in insight. The microstructure of problem-solving lent support to CSP while the macrostructure lent support to RCT. The highest ratings corresponded to maximizing moves showing apparent progress supporting the CSP theory. An experiment controlled look-ahead by limiting the time to judge each move in a sequence of moves in the CNP. Partial support was found for the CSP theory. CSP and RCT are not necessarily incompatible. The last set of experiments found correlations among problem solving ability, look-ahead ability, fluid intelligence, working memory, and practice.