Functional Fixedness in Earring Problem
The situation describes overcoming functional fixedness. This cognitive bias occurs when someone cannot think of a new approach to a problem because they are too focused on the traditional uses of the objects involved.
Understanding the Thermocol Solution
In this case, the person lost an earring and needed a temporary back. Instead of getting a proper earring back, they used thermocol (styrofoam). This is overcoming functional fixedness because thermocol is typically used for packaging or insulation, not as an earring accessory. The individual creatively repurposed the material, thinking beyond its usual function to solve their immediate problem.
Why Other Options Don't Fit
- Confirmation bias involves favouring information that confirms existing beliefs. Using thermocol doesn't relate to confirming or denying a belief.
- A mental set is sticking to a previously successful method. While related to problem-solving, functional fixedness specifically addresses the inability to see new uses for objects. The thermocol solution is about *new* uses, not sticking to old methods.
- Transformation bias is not a standard psychological term in this context and is less specific than functional fixedness.
Therefore, using thermocol creatively demonstrates overcoming the limitation of seeing objects only in their conventional roles, which is the definition of functional fixedness.
Important Questions from Critical thinking (Notes)
- An empty plastic mug floats in a bucket of water. When a solid iron ball is kept in the mug it doesn't sink. When the ball is put in the water it sinks. Compared to when the ball is in water, the water level in the bucket when the ball is in the mug is
Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Creative thinking always requires divergent thinking.
Reason (R): Divergent thinking helps in generating multiple solutions to a single problem.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
- Match List - I with List - II.Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
List - I List - II A. Availability heuristic I. Presentation of information concening potential outcomes B. Representativeness heuristic II. Reference points that may lead us for problem solving C. Anchoring-and-Adjustment heuristic III. What comes to mind first D. Framing IV. Assuming that what is typical is also likely the solution - Select the correct statement related to learner centred approach
(a) Pupil is actively involved in the teaching-learning process.
(b) The main function of the teacher is not to instruct but to evoke learning.
Select the correct answer. - Which of the following learning approaches allows the students to use their thinking skills in order to discover information and unfold the truth?
