How does insight learning differ from trial-and-error learning?

Insight learning is characterized by a sudden realization or "aha" moment where an individual comprehends the solution to a problem without the gradual process of trial and error. This type of learning involves understanding the underlying relationships and seeing connections between ideas or concepts, leading to a quick and often intuitive resolution.

The immediate realization contrasts sharply with trial-and-error learning, where a subject repeatedly attempts to solve a problem through various methods, learning from mistakes and refining their approach over time. Insight learning is often seen as a more cognitively sophisticated process, as it can occur suddenly and without the need for extensive practice or prior experiences related to the problem at hand. This ability to grasp a solution all at once demonstrates the unique cognitive processes involved in insight learning, distinguishing it from other more iterative learning methods.