Bodily movement as related to problem solving.

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Abstract
The motility of subjects solving mental problems was recorded by the use of a new type of stabilometer chair, so constructed that the subject is unaware that his movements are being measured, but with the various parts of the chair mounted on coil springs and attached by strings to a hidden polygraph. Results obtained on 201 records of 53 subjects solving mental problems and records on 38 subjects who "ran" pencil mazes indicate that there is a definite increase in amount of movement at the points where the subject abandons a given mode of attack on the problem and where he reaches a solution, while no comparable increase in movement accompanies the start of the problem. This fact suggests that movement is due to a relieving of body tensions that have been gradually built up, rather than to the assuming of new postural sets preparatory to each new attack. Apparently the movements of a person trying to solve problems are not directly related to the problem-solving attempts but are bodily adjustments to the tensions set up during concentration on the problem.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:

  • Sleep.
    Psychological Bulletin, 1930