In what way did Kohler's studies of insight learning contribute to psychology?

Kohler's studies of insight learning were pivotal in demonstrating a type of problem-solving that occurs suddenly and without a step-by-step trial-and-error method. Insight learning is characterized by moments when an individual suddenly understands a problem or identifies a solution without the necessity for extensive experimentation or prior experience with the problem. Kohler's experiments, particularly with chimpanzees, illustrated that solutions could emerge from an internal cognitive process rather than a purely behavioral one.

This essence of spontaneous problem-solving signifies a key development in the understanding of cognitive processes in psychology. It recognized that there exists a cognitive dimension to learning, where understanding can arise in a flash of insight rather than through gradual processes of refinement. Consequently, Kohler's work emphasized the significance of internal cognitive processes over simple behavioral responses, thereby contributing to the broader field of cognitive psychology by highlighting how humans and animals can engage in complex problem-solving through insight.