Yao

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
My research project looked into the role of insights, or “Aha” moments, in mathematical problem-solving. It turned out that people did experience insights, sometimes multiple, when solving a math problem. What’s more, people are more likely to reach a correct answer, and more confident in the correctness of their solutions if they experienced insights when solving math problems. These suggest that insight may play an important role in facilitating math problem-solving and providing a more positive subjective experience of doing math. My results are interesting in that they provided a new perspective to look at math problem-solving. People often think math is step-by-step and boring, while being intimidating. But my research suggests that creativity and spontaneity are important parts of math as well, and maybe they should be emphasized more in math education in real life. Besides, my results hint that insights might have various functions besides leading to the solutions directly, contributing to our current understanding of insights.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I major in both psychology and math. When I learned about the concept of insights, or “Aha” moments, I immediately related it to my own experience of doing math. Then, I had the luck to meet my supervisor who also has background in math and resonates with me on the math insight experience. What’s more, math insights are frequently suggested in the anecdotes of famous mathematicians. However, the research on this phenomenon is very limited. So with the curiosity on this special cognitive process in math problem-solving, I became interested in conducting my AYURG project.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
Curiosity! I am always inclined to probe into the “why”s and “how”s in life, even if they seem trivial. When I work out a math problem, succeed in doing a tricky movement on ice skates, etc., I often jump out of the moment and think: how did that happen? Research is a great way to find out the answers of millions of such questions in my mind. I am also excited to see how research can make a difference in the world via understanding the world better.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
I think the trickiest part of research for me is to communicate it with others, while it is one of the most important parts of research. I have learned repetitively that I can’t assume others know my research project as well as I do when I explain it to them. Realizing this, I am hopefully growing to be a better speaker and listener.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
Go for it! No research question is too trivial to probe into. Also, be sure to share your research with others. Sharing will probably be more rewarding and inspiring than you would imagine.

What is your most useless talent?
Sensing that a *gorgeous* sunset is going to happen