title: Improving insight and non-insight problem solving with brief interventions.
abstract: Developing brief training interventions that benefit different forms of problem solving is challenging. In earlier research, Chrysikou (2006) showed that engaging in a task requiring generation of alternative uses of common objects improved subsequent insight problem solving. These benefits were attributed to a form of implicit transfer of processing involving enhanced construction of impromptu, on-the-spot or 'ad hoc' goal-directed categorizations of the problem elements. Following this, it is predicted that the alternative uses exercise should benefit abilities that govern goal-directed behaviour, such as fluid intelligence and executive functions. Similarly, an indirect intervention - self-affirmation (SA) - that has been shown to enhance cognitive and executive performance after self-regulation challenge and when under stereotype threat, may also increase adaptive goal-directed thinking and likewise should bolster problem-solving performance. In Experiment 1, brief single-session interventions, involving either alternative uses generation or SA, significantly enhanced both subsequent insight and visual-spatial fluid reasoning problem solving. In Experiment 2, we replicated the finding of benefits of both alternative uses generation and SA on subsequent insight problem-solving performance, and demonstrated that the underlying mechanism likely involves improved executive functioning. Even brief cognitive- and social-psychological interventions may substantially bolster different types of problem solving and may exert largely similar facilitatory effects on goal-directed behaviours.
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Reading, UK. mingching.wen@gmail.com
authors: Ming-Ching
authors: MC
authors: Wen
authors: Laurie T
authors: LT
authors: Butler
authors: Wilma
authors: W
authors: Koutstaal
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003405:Creativity; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011340:Problem Solving; D011593:Psychology, Social; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D012649:Self Concept; D013240:Stereotyping; D014163:Transfer, Psychology; D055815:Young Adult