Attention and Working Memory in Insight Problem-Solving

Individuals differ in their ability to solve insight problems. We suggest that differences in attention switching and working memory skills underlie differences in insight problem solving ability. We consider the results of an experiment that shows that correct performance on a range of insight problems is related to correct performance on measures of attention-switching and working memory storage and processing, but not to measures of selective attention and sustained attention. We discuss the implications of the results for understanding the component processes in insight problem solving