What is Insight Learning?
Insight learning uses reason to solve a problem, as opposed to trial-and-error. Insight learning occurs all at once, requiring no physical experience.FactsInsight learning is done entirely in the mind, with the solution learned through contemplating the entire problem. Reason alone is used to form conclusions, inferences, and judgments.HistoryPsychologist Wolfgang Kohler, who was trained at the University of Berlin, first noticed insight learning while studying chimpanzees. Kohler’s findings were published in his 1917 book, “The Mentality of Apes.”FeaturesKohler’s experiments involved placing bananas outside of a chimp’s cage. The chimp, Sultan, pieced together two small sticks in order to reach the bananas. In another experiment, chimps had to stack boxes to get bananas.CausesA sudden rush of inspiration triggers insight learning.
