Analogical Insight and Recategorization

Abstract

Although insight is recognized by most cognitive psychologists, the mechanisms and rationale behind its action remain unclear. Based on existing theories, this article proposes a new potential theory for understanding the role of insight. The theory suggests that insight recategorizes problems by discovering analogies. Correct categorization can lead to new and useful information, bring cognitive agents to effective search domains, and help find the right solution. Among this, prior experience and training are necessary for correct categorization. Lack of prior experience or relevant experience may result in the inability to perform effective recategorization and thus may fail to bring correct answers. Categorization theory also fits in with other theories. It can explain the difference between insight problems and non-insight problems and can be proved by several classical experiments to explain different phenomena.