Intuition in insight and noninsight problem solving

Abstract

People's metacognitions, both before and during problem solving, may be of importance in motivating and guiding problem-solving behavior. These metacognitions could also be diagnostic for distinguishing among different classes of problems, each perhaps controlled by different cognitive processes. In the present experiments, intuitions on classic insight problems were compared with those on noninsight and algebra problems. The findings were as follows: (1) subjective feeling of knowing predicted performance on algebra problems but not on insight problems; (2) subjects' expectations of performance greatly exceeded their actual performance, especially on insight problems; (3)normative predictions provided a better estimate of individual performance than did subjects' own predictions, especially on the insight problems; and, most importantly, (4)the patterns-of-warmth ratings, which reflect subjects' feelings of approaching solution, differed for insight and noninsight problems. Algebra problems and noninsight problems showed a more incremental pattern over the course ofsolving than did insight problems. In general, then, the data indicated that noninsight problems were open to accurate predictions of performance, whereas insight problems were opaque to such predictions. Also, the phenomenology of insight-problem solution was characterized by a sudden, unforeseen flash of illumination. We propose that the difference in phenomenology accompanying insight and noninsight problem solving, as empirically demonstrated here, be used to define insight.

Executive functions in insight versus non-insight problem solving: An individual differences approach

“…The results reported here provide further behavioural evidence in support of distinctions between insight and non-insight tasks and so add to the differences reported by Metcalfe and Weibe (1987) Furthermore, we found that the pattern of loading of non-insight tasks and insight tasks on individual difference measures of System 2 functions differed in an interpretable way. The role of executive functioning and working memory in non-insight tasks was expected and has been frequently reported.…”

“…Metcalfe and Weibe (1987) contrasted 5 insight and 5 non-insight problems and found that feeling of warmth judgements (i.e. how close participants felt to solution) behaved differently for presumed insight as against non-insight tasks.…”

Virtuous Insightfulness

“…(Try this, though don't look yet at the solution below 25 ). There is a certain phenomenology common to the discovery of solutions to insight tasks such as the one above (e.g., Sternberg and Davidson 1995;Metcalfe and Wiebe 1987). For instance, once the participant realises that the lines can go beyond the square that is formed by the nine dots, there is with this (and the discovery of other insight problem solutions) a kind of 'aha' experience.…”

“…For instance, in a study by Janet Metcalfe and David Wiebe (1987), participants completed classic insight problems along with 'non-insight' problems (i.e., such as problems where one must simply apply an algebra rule). In each case, participants recorded 'patternsof-warmth' ratings, which reflect the subjects' feelings of approaching a solution.…”

Balance Theory Approach to Group Problem Solving

“…First, although it is generally accepted that both gestalt restructuring and incremental search are involved in problem solving, researchers have had limited success integrating these two approaches (Kaplan & Simon, 1990;MacGregor et al, 2001;Metcalfe & Wiebe, 1987). No suitable theory has been proposed that places both aspects of the process in a common conceptual framework.…”