For solving many problems, the chief obstacle is to avoid negative transfer. One way to minimize negative transfer is incubation. Incubation is putting the problem aside for a while. If you are unable to solve a problem, try setting it aside for a while to let it incubate. During incubation, you must not consciously think about the problem, but the problem may be processed subconsciously. Some investigators have asserted that incubation is essential to the problem solving process.

Benefits of Incubation:

1. When we no longer have something in active memory, we forget unimportant details and only meaningful aspects are kept in our memory. This allows us to reconstruct the problem without irrelevant details.
2. As time goes by, more recent memories become integrated with existing memories. During this process, some associations of the mental set may weaken.
3. As time passes, new stimuli may active new perspectives on the problem.
4. An internal or external stimulus may lead the problem solver to see an analogy between the current problem and some other problem. The problem solver can find a similar solution or may apply a known solution from the analogous problem.
5. When problem solvers are in a "low state of cortical arousal" (i.e.--taking a walk, taking a shower), increases in attention span and possibly in working memory capacity allow remote cues to be perceived and stored in active memory simultaneously. If you were actively trying to solve the problem (in a "high state of cortical arousal"), you may perceive these cues as irrelevant or distracting.

The benefits of incubation can be enhanced in two ways. The first is to invest enough time in the problem initially (explore all aspects of the problem and investigate several possible solutions to it). The second is to allow sufficient time for incubation ( permitting your old associations due to negative transfer to weaken somewhat).

The one drawback to incubation is that it takes time. For example, if you have a deadline to solve a problem, you have to start immediately to give yourself time for incubation.
 
 

For more information, see also:

http://ugrad.phys.unsw.edu.au/~mettw/edreams/articles/incubate.html (about incubation and dreaming)

http://ruby.tgcu.edu/courses/50171/sample2.htm (about Gestalt theory)

http://www.apa.org/monitor/feb96/uncona.html (about problem solving)
 

* Cognitive Psychology. Sternberg, Robert J. 2^nd edition, pages 375-376, 1999.
 
 

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