Insight is the sudden and spontaneous problem solving. Research on the
Insight phenomenon has characterized its occurrence as spontaneous
interconnection of repertoires that were previously learned. Recently, studies
have demonstrated that monkeys (Sapajus spp.) are able to solve a problem by
interconnecting two tasks: (1) assembling two parts of a tool and (2) attaining
("fishing") a box containing food. However, those resolutions did not occur so
suddenly, but with pauses between the responses. The objective of the present
research is to continue the study on problem solving with monkeys, by testing
the hypotheses that modifying the locations in which training and testing are
given, the location could become a discriminative stimulus for the response of
“fishing”, and the resolution happen without pauses. With one subject (Louis)
the abilities (1) and (2) were trained in different locations. The Insight test was
given in the same place as the training to attain a box. Louis solved the problem
by interconnecting the two tasks, but still with pauses between the responses.
One variable that may have interfered with Louis’ response was the fact that the
two parts of the testing tool were delivered at the same time. With another
subject (Gonzaga) all the training occurred in the same location. The insight test
was given in another location. The two parts of the testing tool were delivered
separately. The “fishing” part was delivered first, then, after two minutes, the
two of them was delivered together. The results showed the same pattern of
resolution described previously. The two variables tested: variation of the
training and testing locations and the way the tools were delivered did not seem
to affect the resolutions. However, it is discussed the need of the suddenness
on the problem resolution, since it does not always occur. It is suggested a
review on the term Insight, and more researches to expand the knowledge on
the subject.
|
