Descripción del proyecto
Inner speech is a cognitive process of silent communication with oneself. Inner speech is driven by natural language and thus is deeply rooted in human culture while it pursues such cognitive functions as thinking, memory, planning, etc. In order to reach a more holistic knowledge of our inner voice, it requires integrating the approaches of semiotics, culture studies, linguistics, psychology and neuroscience. Exploring the functions and experience of inner speech in everyday situations drives the development of inner speech methodologies and raises the awareness of the role of culture in human cognition. One of the distinguishing features of human cognition is its unique problem solving ability. While previous research has indicated the connections between inner speech and problem solving, it remains unclear whether inner speech is experienced similarly in different types of problem solving, such as analytical problem solving or a sudden Aha! effect. The given research project explores whether the specific dimensions of inner speech (inner speaking and inner hearing) and its phenomenological properties (dialogic, condensed, etc.) can be associated with insight, or Aha! effect, and analytical types of problem solving. The research will integrate methodological paradigms from insight, semiotics and inner speech studies to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the experience of inner speech in insight and non-insight problem solving during an empirical experiment. The project aims at providing the applicant with interdisciplinary training, strengthening of the previous experience and widening career perspectives in the EU. The results of the project will explore the underlying connections between inner speech and insight problem solving, expanding our understanding of the role of natural language in human cognition. The project will also drive the public awareness of the inner speech and facilitate the development of new research methodologies for its exploration.