Gary Klein, a research psychologist renowned for his work in naturalistic decision-making, distinguishes between intuition and insight based on the patterns they utilize. He posits that intuition involves drawing upon patterns and experiences previously learned, enabling rapid decision-making without extensive analysis. This form of intuitive judgment relies on the recognition of familiar cues and scenarios.
In contrast, insight pertains to the discovery of new patterns or the reframing of existing ones. Klein describes insight as transforming a mediocre story into a more compelling one, highlighting its role in problem-solving and innovation. While intuition is anchored in past experiences, insight emerges from novel connections and perspectives.
Klein emphasizes that both intuition and insight are valuable cognitive tools. Intuition allows for swift decisions in familiar contexts, whereas insight facilitates creative solutions in novel situations. Recognizing the distinction between them can enhance decision-making processes across various domains.
Klein’s framework on intuition and insight aligns closely with Koestler’s concepts of “habit” (associative) and “originality” (bisociative), as illustrated in the table. Koestler introduced his framework already 1964 in his book “The Act of Creation” wheres Klein’s insight was published 2013.
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Intuition (Klein): This corresponds to habit in Koestler’s framework. Intuition is built upon familiar, pre-existing patterns learned from past experiences. When individuals rely on intuition, they are drawing from established associations and applying them to new situations. This matches Koestler’s description of “association within a given matrix” and the rigid, repetitive nature of habit-based thinking.
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Insight (Klein): This connects with originality in Koestler’s framework. Insight involves seeing things from a new perspective and making novel connections between independent matrices of thought. It represents the ability to break free from old patterns and come up with creative, often unexpected solutions. Koestler’s “bisociation of independent matrices” and “super-flexibility” aptly describe the cognitive flexibility involved in insight.
Klein’s distinction between intuition and insight echoes clearly Koestler’s contrast between associative thinking (habit) and bisociative thinking (originality). Intuition relies on past experiences (habit), while insight taps into new, creative combinations of thoughts (originality).
Let’s take a moment to reframe intuition, that revered mystical muse who walks in with a flourish, promising to solve all our problems with the ‘gut feeling’ approach. Intuition, much like an overzealous party guest, tends to rely on what’s already been said and done—it’s the guest who insists on playing the same old party games, sticking to what’s familiar and comfortable.
Koestler would call it ‘habit,’ and Gary Klein would nod in agreement, saying intuition is rooted in past patterns and experiences. So, is intuition really creative? Well, not exactly—it’s more like a remix of the past with a bit of flair, but don’t expect any ground-breaking, chart-topping hits.
In the realm of serendipity, though, insight is the showstopper. It’s the new combination, the fresh look at a familiar puzzle, the breakthrough that changes everything. Insight is what breaks through the noise of habit and intuition. But, alas, intuition often hogs the spotlight, claiming credit for what is really insight in disguise. It’s the 21 st Century Jester’s job, however, to point out the truth behind the curtain: intuition might be good at finding the old, but it’s insight that will lead you to the unexpected goldmine of discoveries.”
Serendipitor
One could describe me as an Explorer of my personal life, since I have been there – seen that, so many fascinating topics and projects over the past decades. I am the founder or co-founder of seven different companies since 1984 .- one could use the term “serial entrepreneur”, but I personally don’t like to be called that way. I believe that my life is a journey – and even though it sometimes looks like I am wandering around, I have a solid feeling that I am not lost.
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