Where’s the loo (and the insight)? Problem solving and image search tasks

Background

The incubation effect is well-established in the literature however there is a lack of research into how this affects the subjective aha experience. Studies have begun looking into individual differences for insight problem solving but there are mixed results.

Research Questions / Hypotheses

1. How does an incubation period affect insight problem solving?

2. Are there individual differences in insight problem solving with the presence of an incubation period?

3. Does the incubation effect differ between problem types?

Participants

190 first-year university students completed the study aged 18-58. There was no specific inclusion or exclusion criteria.

Methods

Participants were asked to complete a set of classical insight problems, compound remote associates and anagrams. Participants reported on affective experiences related to insight. Three different incubation scenarios were presented: one control condition with no incubation and 2 qualitatively different incubation tasks.

Results

We expect the incubation period to enhance insight problem solving and for there to be individual differences in terms of positive schizotypy and unusual experiences.

Implications

If the predicted findings are present:

- Informs us about the cognitive mechanisms underlying insight problem-solving and whether incubation can enhance subjective insight

- Informs our understanding of the interaction between individual differences and insight problem solving