Psychophysiological correlates of different kinds of insight problems

One of the main skills which education is aimed to enhance is problem-solving. Attempts to train problem-solving abilities should take into account the differences existing among different kinds of problems. Such differences can be supported by neurobiological measures. In this respect Jausovec and Bakracevic [1] reported different patterns of heart rate in step-by-step and insight problems. As far as insight problems are concerned, research has been based mostly on EEG and fMRI data [2, 3, 4] and no further psychophysiological investigation was carried out. Our goal was to refine the analysis of the psychophysiological counterparts of the solution process of insight problems. Thirty participants joined our research. After explaining the general procedure, a portable biofeedback was connected to the participant. The base line of psychophysiological activation was measured while participant was facing a relaxing visual presentation composed by landscaped photos. The biofeedback equipment was set in order to measure: skin conductance level, skin temperature, blood volume pulse, pulse volume amplitude, and pulse frequency. After recording the baseline, the experimental section started. Participants were faced with 16 problems which were designed to be not easily solved with incremental strategies, but required an insight. Problems were grouped into four categories (geometrical, instrumental, verbal, mathematical) according to the main strategy that should be use to reach the solution. Each problem was presented together with 4 possible solutions (1 right and 3 wrong). Participants had to tell aloud the letter associated with the right answer. After one minute another problem was presented. Data suggested that correct and incorrect solutions were preceded by different trends of hearth activity. Moreover, skin measures were influenced by the kind of problem: problems which were harder to solve induced increased level of concurrent activation.