Abstract
The representational change theory of insight claims that insight problems cause impasses because they mislead problem solvers into constructing inappropriate initial representations. Insight is attained when the initial representation is changed. In the present study (N = 24), we tested three specific implications of these hypotheses against eye movements recorded while participants solved matchstick arithmetic problems. The results were consistent with the predictions, providing converging evidence with prior findings using solution rates and solution times. Alternative theories of insight can explain individual findings, but only the representational change theory accounts for both the performance data and the eye movement data. The present study also suggests that eye movement recordings provide an important new window into processes of insight problem solving.
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This research was supported, in part, by a grant of the German Academic Exchange Service (HSPII/AUFE), which made it possible to carry out the study reported in this paper during a visit of the first author to the University of Illinois at Chicago. This research was also supported, in part, by a grant from the Cognitive Science Program of the Office of Naval Research to the second author. The eye movement equipment was purchased with the help of a grant from the Campus Research Board of the University of Illinois at Chicago to the third author. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the sponsoring agencies and no endorsement should be inferred.
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Knoblich, G., Ohlsson, S. & Raney, G.E. An eye movement study of insight problem solving. Memory & Cognition 29, 1000–1009 (2001). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03195762
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03195762
