Are Insight Measures Insightful? A Comparison of Different Verbal Tasks Using Self-Reports of Aha! Experience Phenomenology
Are Insight Measures Insightful? A Comparison of Different Verbal Tasks Using Self-Reports of Aha! Experience Phenomenology
StatusVoR
Alternative title
Authors
Olszewska-Kapusta, Angelika
Sobków, Agata
Monograph
Monograph (alternative title)
Date
2026-06-11
Publisher
Journal title
Advances in Cognitive Psychology
Issue
2
Volume
22
Pages
Pages
158-173
ISSN
1895-1171
ISSN of series
Access date
2026-06-11
Abstract PL
Abstract EN
Measuring insight is a central challenge in the problem-solving field. Recent studies show that classic insight tasks can be solved through either insightful thinking or analytical thinking. The present work examined relationships between cognitive reasoning tasks and insight tasks. Additionally, we explored differences in insight phenomenology when solving insight puzzles and when completing the Cognitive Reflection Test. We conducted two independent studies. Study 1 was a conceptual replication of previously observed relationships between insight puzzles, the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT), and the Verbal Cognitive Reflection Test (VCRT). Study 2 examined differences between analytical and insightful tasks using self-report insight scales. Five dimensions of insight were measured: suddenness, confidence, pleasure, the Aha! experience, and arousal. Across both studies, insight-puzzle performance correlated positively with reflective tests (CRT and VCRT), consistent with prior findings. In Study 2, Aha! ratings did not differ between insight puzzles and CRT. Unexpectedly, Aha! experience was stronger for VCRT than for insight puzzles. Trial-level analyses that incorporated response accuracy further indicated that Aha! ratings in VCRT and CRT did not reliably differentiate correct from incorrect responses, whereas accuracy effects emerged in other task comparisons. Overall, the dissociation between performance overlap and phenomenology suggests that subjective insight is not uniquely tied to tasks traditionally classified as insight problems and that Aha! experience alone should not be treated as a direct marker of restructuring.
Abstract other
Keywords PL
Keywords EN
insight problem solving
insight puzzles
Cognitive Reflection Test
Remote Associate Test
insight phenomenology
insight puzzles
Cognitive Reflection Test
Remote Associate Test
insight phenomenology
Keywords other
Sustainable Development Goals
Exhibition title
Place of exhibition (institution)
Exhibition curator
Type
License type
Funder
Time range from
Time range to
Contact person name
Related publication
Related publication
Grant/project name
Grant number
Collections
Views
11Acquisition Date19.06.2026
Downloads
1Acquisition Date19.06.2026
Altmetrics©
Dimensions
Google Scholar
