Insight Problem Solving

Research Paper # 101058

Psychology

This paper explores attention control and insight problem solving.

3,117 words () | 12 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper focuses on insight problem solving and the components that help ensure high levels of performance. The paper discovers that it is highly probable that successful insight problem solving draws upon mindfulness, but this cannot be proven using the scope of the current literature. What the paper says can be proven, however, is that the aspects associated with improved performance of insight problem solving - specifically retention of information and improved focus - can be enhanced through training.

Outline:
Introduction
Background
Failures of Broad-Level Attention and Problem Solving
Selection of Information Used in Problem Solving
Teaching Relevant Information Selection and Attention Focus
Mindfulness and Real Life Problem Solving
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Insight problems and insight problem solving rely heavily on domains of thinking that are non-traditional or utilize areas of experience that are not commonly encountered as first-response outcomes. For instance, if a problem were stated: "Marsha and Marjorie were born on the same day of the same month of the same year to the same mother and the same father yet they are not twins. How is that possible?" the solution cannot be derived from the known information within the question but can be answered through associating other scenarios that do not, at first blush, appear to be related. This example problem can easily be solved if it were known that Marsha and Marjorie has another sister and they are triplets, not twins, but the governing assumption in a scenario of this nature is to focus on the problem word "twins" and not extend the line of thinking to potential solutions beyond this limiting point."

Sample of Sources Used:

Ansburg, P. I. & Hill, K. (2003). Creative and analytical thinkers differ in their use of attentional resources. Personality and Individual Differences. Vol. 34. 1141 - 1152.
Bogels, S. M. (2006). Task concentration training versus applied relation, in combination with cognitive therapy, for social phobia patients with fear of blushing, trembling, and sweating. Behavior Research and Therapy. Vol. 44. 1199 - 1210.
Bradshaw, J. L. & Sheppard, D. M. (2000). The neurodevelopmental frontostriatal disorders: evolutionary adaptiveness and anomalous lateralization. Brain and Language. Vol. 73. 297 - 320.
Egner, T. & Hirsch, J. (2005). Cognitive control mechanisms resolve conflict through cortical amplification of task-relevant information. Nature Neuroscience. Vol 8 (12). 1784 - 1790.
Grant, E. R. & Spivey, M. J. (2003). Eye movements and problem solving: guiding attention guides thought. Psychological Science. Vol. 14 (5). 462 - 466.