Memory Restructuring as a Cognitive Mechanism of Insight

ABSTRACT Insight, the sudden realization of a problem’s solution, is often accompanied by a subjective “Aha!” experience. Theories suggest that insight involves restructuring existing knowledge and forming new associations, yet how this process unfolds over time remains unclear. This thesis investigates the dynamics of semantic memory restructuring during insight problem solving across two studies. Study 1 uses a visual magic trick to track changes in individual semantic memory networks across four time points. We find that successful solvers show a decrease in global network efficiency, with changes aligned with their reported moment of understanding. Study 2 extends this approach to a verbal insight problem, the classic Bar riddle. Preliminary results show an increase in network efficiency among successful solvers, in contrast to Study 1. Together, these findings suggest that semantic memory restructuring may take different forms across domains, while highlighting the importance of tracking when these changes occur and how they relate to specific aspects of the subjective insight experience.