Birch, H. G. (1945). The relation of previous experience to insightful problem-solving. Journal of Comparative Psychology, 38(6), 367-383.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0056104
This is a study of the genesis of stick-using behavior of 6 chimpanzees, aged 4-5 years. It was found that the perception of functional relations is dependent to a large extent upon previous experience. Previously experienced part processes are integrated into new patterns which appear as insightful solutions of a problem. Any interpretation of insight in situational terms alone is invalid. In a case of insight, the animal's perception of functional relationships is the result of the dynamic interaction of past experiences and the objective features of the situation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)