Are insight problems really different from noninsight problems?

Abstract

In this text, I will suggest an electroencephalogram (EEG) experiment with which it will be possible to see whether there is biological evidence for the frequently made distinction between insight and noninsight problems. What is meant with insight here is the 'aha'-experience, the sudden discovery of how a problem works. First, I will give a summary of the research done by Auke Pols in his thesis 'Insight in problem solving' (Pols, 2002), an introductory text on insight. This part of this text consists of an overview of the questions Pols asks himself, the answers to these questions, and the methods he uses to find them. Secondly, I will formulate my own research question, and propose the methods with which I want to answer this question.