Gick & Holyoak 1980: Analogical problem solving

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Gick, M. L., & Holyoak, K. J. (1980). Analogical problem solving. Cognitive Psychology 12, 306--355.

@Article{,
  author = 	 {Mary L. Gick and Keith J. Holyoak},
  title = 	 {Analogical problem solving},
  journal = 	 {Cognitive Psychology},
  year = 	 {1980},
  OPTvolume = 	 {12},
  OPTpages = 	 {306--355},
}

Author of the summary: Jim Davies, 2003, jim@jimdavies.org

Cite this paper for:

75% generated the convergence solution after receiving the fortress story and a hint to apply it. (30% without hint)

10% generated it without the source analog

Most subjects agreed that the solution is effective when they heard it.

Therefore 20% of subjects spontaneously notice and apply the analogy.

One S alluded to the importance of the phrase "like spokes on a wheel." [327]

Experiment 1

Protocol study. Ss supplied as many solutions as possible.

attack-dispersion story (classic) --> dispersion solution
open supply route story (general finds an open road) --> use esophagus
tunnel story --> tube in person (false analogy, breaks problem constraints)
control (no prior story)

The condition predicted the kind of solution generated. One S alluded to the importance of the phrase "like spokes on a wheel."

Experiment 2

Booklet form. To count as a dispersion solution it had to be 1) from different directions, 2) at low intensity, and 3) simultaneously.

76% of the Ss in the classic condition got it.

Experiment 3

Ss solved the fortress problem themselves. 49% produced the dispersion solution to the fortress problem. 41% of those produced the dispersion solution for the tumor problem. Only 13% of the others did.

Experiment 4

Hint condition: 92%

No-hint condition: 20%

Experiment 5

Giving the fortress problem in the middle of their solving the tumor problem had no effect.

Summary author's notes:

none

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