What is a key feature of insightful problem-solving?

Insightful problem-solving is characterized by a sudden realization or clarity regarding how to approach a problem, often referred to as an "aha" moment. This involves a restructuring of the problem in one’s mind, allowing for a novel perspective or solution to emerge that might not have been evident before. This process often bypasses the more methodical and gradual strategies typically associated with other forms of problem-solving.

In contrast, gradual understanding would suggest a more linear, step-by-step approach rather than the sudden insight that defines insightful problem-solving. Reliance on repeated trial and error involves a methodical testing of solutions rather than a transformative understanding all at once. Seeking external feedback suggests a reliance on outside sources to inform one’s understanding, which contrasts with the intrinsic realization that comes with insight. Therefore, the defining feature of insightful problem-solving is this sudden clarity and the ability to reorganize one’s understanding of the problem.