2.2 Example Insight Problems................................ 10

Abstract

Insight problems are problems which are simple to state but relatively difficult to solve, and require some sort of ‘insight ’ (creative thinking) to solve them. This insight requires looking at the problem or some objects within the problem in an unconventional way, or some other form of restructuring the problem. This project looks at the impacts of providing feedback in two contrasting ways to people attempting to solve one insight problem, the nine-dots problem. Feedback is given in either a positive format – telling them what they should do, or a negative format – telling them what they should not do. The relative benefits of these two forms of feedback are evaluated, and it is concluded that a positive style is better because people who receive feedback phrased in a positiv