Rule Utilization in Solutions of Abstract Picture-Analogy Problems

Abstract

Two experiments tested the hypothesis that rules are generated and applied in solving analogy problems by providing one group of Ss with the appropriate rules. Analogy problems from the Lorge-Thorndike Intelligence Test were employed in Exp. I, and problems from the Raven Progressive Matrices were employed in Exp. II. The results from both experiments did not support the hypothesis. It was suggested that the possibility, that the cognitive processes involved in comprehending E-generated rules may be as complex as those involved in generating rules from the stimulus materials, should be investigated further.