Using a hardbound book to hammer a nail illustrates which obstacle to problem solving?
AFalling into a mental set from previously tried solution steps
BOvercoming functional fixedness on the book's usual function
CLacking motivation to attempt the problem at all
DFailing at deductive reasoning from a faulty premise
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Overcoming functional fixedness on the book's usual function
1. Functional fixedness is described in the chapter as the failure to see new uses for an object.
2. People stay fixed on a thing's usual function and miss alternative uses.
3. The chapter gives a specific example of overcoming this fixedness.
4. Using a hardbound book to hammer a nail is the textbook example of breaking past functional fixedness.
5. Hence the book-as-hammer illustrates overcoming functional fixedness.
_Source: NCERT Class 11 Psychology Ch 7 "Thinking", p. 114, Obstacles to Solving Problems_
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