In N.R.F. Maier's experiment, Bismarck, seemed to have had what Gestalt psychologists have termed an Aha! experience, perhaps suddenly perceiving the relationships between the elements of the problem so that the solution occurred by insight.

Gestalt Psychologists

Psychologists associated with a theory of perception that emphasizes the whole of anything is greater than its parts and that the mind integrates sensory experiences into meaningful patterns.

Aha! Experience

A moment of sudden insight or discovery often leading to a new perspective.

Insight

In Gestalt psychology, a sudden perception of relationships among elements of the mentally represented elements of a problem that permits its solution.