3 variables were manipulated in a switch-light, problem-solving task which could be solved either by overt trial-and-error or, if Ss were pretrained, by long-latency "insightful" behavior. The results showed that for the overt problem solvers, more switch presses and more time to criterion were required (a) when a distracting switch (response) was present, (b) with increases in the number of available switches, and (c) with increases in the number of switches required for solution. For the pretrained covert problem solvers, these variables resulted in more time to criterion, but not more switch presses.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.