Incubation and Intuition in Creative Problem Solving

Frontiers in Psychology

Kenneth J. Gilhooly¹ 

关键词: creativity;    intuition;    problem-solving;    incubation effect;    insight problem solving;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01076

学科分类：心理学（综合）

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Creative problem solving, in which novel solutions are required, has often been seen as involving a special role for unconscious processes (Unconscious Work) which can lead to sudden intuitive solutions (insights) when a problem is set aside during incubation periods. This notion of Unconscious Work during incubation periods is supported by a review of experimental studies and particularly by studies using the Immediate Incubation paradigm. Other explanations for incubation effects, in terms of Intermittent Work or Beneficial Forgetting are considered. Some recent studies of divergent thinking, using the Alternative Uses task, carried out in my laboratory regarding Immediate vs. Delayed Incubation and the effects of resource competition from interpolated activities are discussed. These studies supported a role for Unconscious Work as against Intermittent Conscious work or Beneficial Forgetting in incubation.

【 授权许可】

CC BY