SNAP

February 6, 2012
In this entertaining and thought-provoking study, Ramsland (The Forensic Psychology of Criminal Minds) explores the phenomenon of sudden insightâ"a dramatic brilliance that floods the mind and clicks into place"âwhich she calls the "snap." She posits that these seemingly spontaneous leaps are really the result of preparationâRamsland explains that the process leading up to a "snap" is divided into three parts: "scan," "sift," and "solve." Scanning involves observing one's surroundings and accurately remembering what one has experienced; sifting is allowing the subconscious mind to process and make connections; and the solution arrives when these are combined with the will to succeed and the ability to allow intuition to guide decision-making. Each section contains a myriad of examples of creative invention from people as diverse as Mozart; Percy Spencer, the inventor of the microwave oven; and J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. Also included are brief reports of neurological studies that indicate that there is unique brain activity that correlates with a snap. Ramsland gives mental exercises to encourage these snaps, along with advice on brainstorming, looking outside of one's discipline for answers, andâmost importantlyâhaving a passion for the work at hand. In order to seize your "Aha!" moment, "it just takes âseeing more'"âand reading thisâ"and being ready to roll."