Search and Coherence-Building in Intuition and Insight Problem Solving

Abstract

Coherence-building is a key concept for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of intuition and insight problem solving. There are several accounts that address certain aspects of coherence-building. However, there is still no proper framework defining the general principles of coherence-building. We propose a four-stage model of coherence-building. The first stage starts with spreading activation restricted by constraints. This dynamic is a well-defined rule based process. The second stage is characterized by detecting a coherent state. We adopted a fluency account assuming that the ease of information processing indicates the realization of a coherent state. The third stage is designated to evaluate the result of the coherence-building process and assess whether the given problem is solved or not. If the coherent state does not fit the requirements of the task, the process re-enters at stage 1. These three stages characterize intuition. For insight problem solving a fourth stage is necessary, which restructures the given representation after repeated failure, so that a new search space results. The new search space enables new coherent states. We provide a review of the most important findings, outline our model, present a large number of examples, deduce potential new paradigms and measures that might help to decipher the underlying cognitive processes.

Feelings-of-Warmth Increase More Abruptly for Verbal Riddles Solved With in Contrast to Without Aha! Experience

“…We propose that the observed FoW curves support the following cognitive process for insight solutions: When searching for the remote association that comprises the solution word of a CRA problem, the remote associations activated by means of spreading activation are at first not available to consciousness (see Öllinger and von Müller, 2017 , for an alleged model of the underlying search process—combing spreading activation and constraint satisfaction). However, at the time when the associations are set up between all triad words and the solution word, its activation level becomes strong enough to become consciously available.…”

Insight and the selection of ideas

“…Although Wallas' theory of insight was predominantly a verbal and descriptive theory, it has been described as a conceptual anchor (Sadler-Smith, 2015): It has acted as a basis and inspiration for a myriad of models and other adaptations. Some examples include the adaptation by Shaw (1989), and the expansion by Öllinger and von Müller (2017) into the Search and Coherence-building model, and its role as in the evolution of Hélie and Sun (2010) EII (explicit-implicit interaction theory), which was also based on their CLARION model. Notably, these descriptive models of the insight process do not aim to elucidate how insight phenomenology functions adaptively or in a decision-making context.…”

The Accumulated Clues Task (ACT): Development of a German Semantic Problem-Solving Paradigm

“…In a landmark paper that has stimulated a bulk of cognitive, social psychological, and personality research, Bowers and colleagues ( 1990 ) introduced three tasks that have since advanced our understanding of intuition and the underlying processes generating this enigmatic feeling of knowing (e.g., Koriat & Levy-Sadot, 2000 ; Metcalfe & Wiebe, 1987 ). Besides the Waterloo Gestalt Closure Task and the Remote Associates Test (originally adapted from Mednick, 1962 ), which today is a most prominent example for assessing intuitions of semantic coherence (e.g., Bolte & Goschke, 2005 ; Öllinger & von Müller, 2017 ), Bowers and colleagues presented a further language-based task, which they referred to as the Accumulated Clues Task (ACT). In this task, participants are presented with lists of clue words that refer to a solution word they are asked to guess.…”

“…Also, Reber et al ( 2007 ) explored the meta-cognitive role of processing style and subjective feelings of closeness to the solution as well as relations to intelligence and personality. Further, it serves as a neat conceptual model exemplifying intuition, insight, and problem-solving (e.g., Öllinger & von Müller, 2017 ; Zander et al, 2016 ).…”