Multiple paths to transfer and constraint relaxation in insight problem solving

Abstract

In two experiments participants received various training methods designed to relax constraints present in the Four-Tree problem (deBono, 1967), a difficult insight problem. Geometry misconceptions were corrected via direct instruction. Participants’ difficulty with developing three-dimensional representations was addressed via spontaneous analogical transfer (Experiment 1) or via cued analogical transfer (Experiment 2). We found that, while both training methods were effective, alleviating multiple constraints was more effective than the alleviation of single constraints via training programmes (c.f. Kershaw & Ohlsson, 2004). Providing single difficulty hints was ineffective in promoting solution. Implications for multiple paths to transfer (Nokes, 2009; Nokes & Ohlsson, 2005) and multiple constraints are discussed.