In the
previous post we continued learning about creative problem solving through moments
of insights. Prior knowledge (mental
sets) biases our initial representation of a problem.[1]
Oftentimes the initial representation is useful in solving the problem. However,
if the initial problem representation does not provide a solution for this particular
problem an impasse will result.[2]
The problem solver will feel as if the problem is unsolvable.[3]
A representational change is
necessary in order to overcome the impasse[4].
Moment of insight describes the “aha!”
moment when one overcomes the impasse.[5]
Ollinger et al. theorize that during the impasse unconscious
processes decrease the activation of repeatedly accessed (but incorrect!)
solution procedures.[6]
As a result, less active and potentially correct procedures emerge.[7]
This theory fits well with evidence of incubation
as a means of increasing creative problem solving.[8]
Incubation is exactly that; putting a problem aside momentarily for the
incorrect strategy to decrease in priming and allowing correct strategies that
have been hindered by the repetitive activation of the incorrect strategy to
come into awareness.[9]
Representational
Change through Constraint Relaxation
Constraint relaxation is one of three known strategies helpful
for representational changes that lead to insight. When faced with a problem, problem
solvers think to see if it reminds them of one they have previously encountered.[10]
They then impose constraints on the new problem relevant to the previously encountered
problems.[11]
If these constraints are useful for solving this particular problem, then a
solution will likely be found.[12]
However, if the constraint is inappropriate then the problem solver will likely
face an impasse.[13] Therefore relaxing these constraints is a useful strategy for overcoming the impasse.[14]
For example, seeking to increase your revenue in a business
venture is normally subject to the constraint of limiting liabilities.[15] However,
if incurring liabilities in the short term is overshadowed by the prospect of
gain in the long term, then it might be necessary to incur extra liabilities.
In this scenario problem solving is less about searching current possibilities
(short-term profit) than redefining what to search for. To make long term
profits perhaps one should search for emergent markets with growth potential
and infrastructure or personnel investments to make first.
In the next post, we will discuss chunk decomposition as another means of achieving representational
changes necessary for moments of insights.
[1] Günther
Knoblich, et al. Constraint
Relaxation and Chunk Decomposition in Insight Problem Solving, Journal of Experimental Psychology:
Learning, Memory, and Cognition 25.6 (1999), 1535.
[2] Id.
[3] Id.
[4] Id.
[5] Id.
[6] Michael
Ollinger, Gary Jones, and Gunther Knoblich, Investigating
the Effect of Mental set on Insight Problem Solving, Experimental
Psychology Vol. 55 (2008), 271.
[7] Id.
[8] Id.
[9] Id.
[10]
See Knoblich, supra note 1.
[11] Id.
[12] Id.