Incubation Processes in Solving Problems: Current State and Prospects of Research

<p style="text-align: justify;">The article provides an overview of the current state of research on incubation processes in solving problems. The main theoretical approaches to understanding the mechanisms of incubation, as well as methodological features and problems associated with the study of this phenomenon are considered. The shortcomings of existing research methods have been identified, including the lack of standardization in the definition of incubation, variations in experimental designs and differences in the interpretation of the duration of the incubation period. This triggers the need to create more universal methods for evaluating incubation effects. The study is novel in the analysis of existing knowledge about incubation, as well as in the assumption that there is a set of interrelated processes influencing the effectiveness of incubation intervention. We emphasize the need to integrate approaches to better understand incubation effects. This point of view helps to resolve the apparent inconsistency of various theoretical models and opens up new opportunities for studying incubation. Special attention is paid to the role of the incubation period in solving a wide range of problems, including creative, academic and professional tasks. Various types of incubation interventions and their impact on the effectiveness of problem solving are analyzed. Promising directions for further research in the field of incubation processes, as well as their practical applications, are outlined.</p>