When we look at Kohler's experiment from a far we see, an ape with no food and then an ape with food. It is when we dissect the "star" chimpanzee's actions when we can truly learn from its decisions and overall better ourselves. In the chimpanzee example, we see star faced with the obstacle of having to get the food and take the necessary steps to reach this goal. From connected the bamboo sticks together and stacking the boxes, it was clear the apes were learning and teaching themselves on the fly. Kohler spoke on how the apes appeared to experience an "aha reaction" and that they were not learning from trial and error. I then tried to look at my life as a hole and find the connections in my learning to these chimpanzees learning to get the food. I found a strong comparison to myself becoming a welcome week leader this upcoming fall. I am smart enough to realize during the task of leading these incoming freshmen, I will be placed in tough situations where I must think on my feet. Trial and error will not be an option when it comes to helping real human beings, and it is with that pressure that I must be able to figure out that "aha moment" as quickly as possible. This is another amazing aspect of psychology, that I can make a connection with a chimpanzee, and truly better myself in my own learning on the fly.
Although this was an interesting study and the rate at which the chimpanzee solved the problem of getting the food was quick it has little relation to thinking quickly as a welcome week leader. As a welcome week leader you are trained, given basic information, and have background knowledge of the school as well as how to navigate/describe it. Yes, the chimpanzee did something remarkable, but how many trials would it take others?
This is a fantastic post and a great connection between what was learned in class to the real world. Of course we will always be faced with many challenges, being a welcome week leader for example, but we must always be able to adjust to changes in our environment. In doing so, we will be prepared for anything life throws our way.