Question

Discuss differences in brain activity associated with solving problem by insight and solving a problem through step-by-step analysis.

Answer 1

Insight is when a person would be getting some understanding about a topic. This might be the first step to problem solving when the why and how of a problem solving where a person would realise why something is done the way it is done. This insight is sort of a realisation and has its impact in our daily lives. Gaining an insight does not only help in problem solving. It has to be aided with decision making. Only after decision is taken, there would be actions carried out, and only then There might be some change in the current situation that is problematic.

insight occurs when people think of solutions at unconcious levels where the right hemisphere is seen to be involved. the anterior superior temporal gyrus does the thinking part when a problem is solved using an insight. this is because it is seen as a critical task that would be requiring recognition of the broad relationships that are associated with the semantics and this helps in reinterpretation of a problem, helping with an insight.

The lateral pre frontal cortex is involved in the problem solving where there would be use of working memory with the planning and goal directed activities. When solving problems, there would be an increase in the activity of the lateral pre frontal cortex. This involves the fluid activity aspect of intelligence where the individual would be focused on a particular activity. These people are able to resist distractions. There is an increase in the total brain activity.