Abstract
The focus of the current study is on intuitive feelings of insight during problem solving and the extent to which such feelings are predictive of successful problem solving. We report the results from an experiment (N = 51) that applied a procedure where the to-be-solved problems were 32 short (15 s) video recordings of magic tricks. The procedure included metacognitive ratings similar to the “warmth ratings” previously used by Metcalfe and colleagues, as well as confidence ratings. At regular intervals during problem solving, participants indicated the perceived closeness to the correct solution. Participants also indicated directly whether each problem was solved by insight or not. Problems that people claimed were solved by insight were characterized by higher accuracy and higher confidence than noninsight solutions. There was no difference between the two types of solution in warmth ratings, however. Confidence ratings were more strongly associated with solution accuracy for noninsight than insight trials. Moreover, for insight trials the participants were more likely to repeat their incorrect solutions on a subsequent recognition test. The results have implications for understanding people's metacognitive awareness of the cognitive processes involved in problem solving. They also have general implications for our understanding of how intuition and insight are related.
Highlights
Experiences of insight may occur in many different domains—both in cognitive activities like perception, language comprehension, and problem solving, as well as during moments of self-awareness in clinical psychological settings (Kounios and Beeman, 2014)
The focus of the current paper is on insight experiences in a special kind of problem solving during which the individual is trying to figure out how a magic trick was done
In line with focus of the research topic, we ask whether problem solving of magic tricks that occurs with or without the Aha! experience is differentially reflected on intuitive, metacognitive feelings during and after the solution attempt
Summary
Experiences of insight may occur in many different domains—both in cognitive activities like perception, language comprehension, and problem solving, as well as during moments of self-awareness in clinical psychological settings (Kounios and Beeman, 2014). The focus of the current paper is on insight experiences in a special kind of problem solving during which the individual is trying to figure out how a magic trick was done. Experience is differentially reflected on intuitive, metacognitive feelings during and after the solution attempt. In line with focus of the research topic, we ask whether problem solving of magic tricks that occurs with or without the Aha! This would in turn shed light on whether the two types of problem solving differ in the availability of relevant conscious knowledge
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
