The Aha! moment: Is insight a different form of problem solving?

In everyday life, we mainly solve problems with a conscious solution search (non-insight). However, sometimes perplexing problem is resolved by quantum leap in understanding. This phenomenon known as the Aha! experience (insight). Although insight has distinct phenomenological and behavioral signature, its driving mechanism remains debated. Weisberg (2015) proposed an integrated theory of arguing that insight, like non-insight, depends on conscious, cognitive operations restructuring distinguishing feature insight. only if those lead to impasse, achieved through unconscious processes. We assessed some premises this asking participants (N = 42) 70 word puzzles (CRAT) can either be solved or non-insight. For each puzzle, indicated puzzle difficulty, confidence, suddenness, experiences impasse restructuring. As expected, reported higher suddenness confidence solutions than non-insightful ones. Surprisingly, could not corroborate otherwise consistently accuracy faster speed for Crucially, suggested was prerequisite occur. restructuring, indeed, preceded more often, it seemed general problem-solving skill also applied non-insight solutions. Moreover, early on, increased difficulty later ability report demonstrates that, theory, involves operations.