A Theoretical Analysis of Insight Into a Reasoning Task’ P. N. JOHNSON-LAIRD AND P. C. WASON

An information-processing analysis of insight into a singularly deceptive and difficult deductive problem is presented. Two models are described. The first represents an economical explanation of the Ss initial responses but is difficult to reconcile with their subsequent responses induced by certain remedial procedures. The second model does take account of such responses and shows how insight into the correct solution is correlated with the awareness that tests for falsification are more appropriate than tests for verification. The relevance of the experimental results and the explanatory model are discussed in relation to wider issues.