Thoughts beyond words: When language overshadows insight.
Abstract
Four experiments examined whether verbalization can interfere with insight problem solving. In Experiment 1, Ss were interrupted during problem solving and asked either to verbalize their strategies (retrospective verbalization) or engage in an unrelated activity (control). Ss in the retrospective verbalization condition were significantly less successful than control subjects at solving the problems. Experiment 2 replicated the finding of Experiment 1 and demonstrated that the control Ss' advantage was not due to any beneficial effect of the interruption. In Experiment 3, concurrent, nondirective verbalization impaired the solving of insight problems but had no effect on noninsight problems. In Experiment 4, the effect of concurrent verbalization on insight was maintained even when Ss were encouraged to consider alternative approaches. Together, these findings are consistent with the hypothesis that verbalization can result in the disruption of nonreportable processes that are critical to achieving insight solutions.
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Verbal overshadowing effects do not extend to logical problem solving.
“or to logical problem solving (Schooler et al., 1993).”
From Mind Your Step (by Step): Chain-of-Thought can Reduce Performance on Tasks where Thinking Makes Humans Worse (2024) · cites this paper as Schooler et al., 1993
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“Such effects have been found for other perceptual stimuli (Fiore & Schooler, 2002; Melcher & Schooler, 1996), but do not extend to stimuli that are easy to verbalize (such as a spoken statement) (Schooler & Engstler-Schooler, 1990) or to logical problem solving (Schooler et al., 1993).”
- Authors
- Schooler, J. W., Ohlsson, S., & Brooks, K.
- Affiliations
- University of Pittsburgh (US)
- Venue
- Journal of Experimental Psychology: General
- Published
- 1993-06
- Volume
- 122
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 166-183
- ISSN
- 0096-3445 (ISSN-L)
- 1939-2222
- OpenAlex
- W2002812183
- Cited by
- 694
- References
- 3
- Citations by year
- 2026: 11 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 54 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 21 · 2020: 46 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 19 · 2017: 29 · 2016: 21 · 2015: 24 · 2014: 29 · 2013: 30 · 2012: 39
- FWCI
- 9.26
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Experimental Psychology General (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Creativity in Education and Neuroscience
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Mechanical Engineering › Design Education and Practice
- Keywords
- insight problem solving, verbalization, verbal interference, problem solving, alternative methods
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