Insight and non-insight problem solving: A heart rate variability study

Abstract

Occasionally, a vexing problem is solved by a sudden epiphany with the Aha! as its felt component. Although insight occurs sometimes, the mundane way to solve problems is analytically (i.e., non-insight). At first glance, non-insight appears to depend on the availability and taxation of cognitive resources to execute the step-by-step approach, whereas insight does not or to a lesser extent. However, this remains debated. To address whether both solution types depend (in)differentially on cognitive resources, we assessed the involvement of the prefrontal cortex, which is closely linked to it. Following the neurovisceral integration model, we used vagally mediated heart rate variability (i.e., vmHRV) to index prefrontal resource availability (i.e., trait) and prefrontal resource taxation (i.e., state). Participants (N = 68) solved 70 compound remote associates word puzzles solvable with insight and non-insight. Before, during, and after solving the word puzzles, we measured vmHRV. Our results showed that resting-state vmHRV (i.e., trait) showed a negative association with behavioural performance for both solution types. This might reflect inter-individual differences in inhibitory control. As the solution search requires one to think of remote associations, inhibitory control might hamper rather than aid this process. Furthermore, we observed, for both solution types, a vmHRV increase from resting-state to solution search (i.e., state), lingering on in the post-task recovery period. This could mark the increase of prefrontal resources to promote an open-minded stance, essential for divergent thinking, which arguably is crucial for this task. Our study revealed that both solution types might have more in common than meets the eye.