Exploring incubation effects on insight problem-solving with computer‐based tasks

Abstract

This study examined the effect of interruption activities that were provided as an incubation period during computer-based problem-solving tasks. Incubation is an unconscious process and a crucial stage for a creative resolution when attempting to solve a problem. A computerized problem-solving environment was developed and utilized to automate the presentation of a set of problem-solving tasks and to record the subjects' interactions. One hundred eighty-five undergraduate volunteers were randomly assigned to one of six conditions. The findings support the view that experiencing an incubation period positively relates to problem-solving performance. Subjects resolved the problems more quickly when distracted by an intervening simple cognitive task than when allowed to work continuously. This implies that subjects can benefit from an interruption that involves visually and spatially changing stimuli and that also demands some degree of cognitive involvement.