In attempting to solve a problem, a subject fails to see that the old doorknob in the box could be used as a weight to hang on the balance scale. This subject is exhibiting
A)inductive thought.
B)functional fixedness.
C)a failure of short-term memory.
D)disjunctive thinking.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used, which explains why the subject couldn't see the doorknob as anything other than a doorknob, rather than as a potential weight.

In Attempting to Solve a Problem, a Subject Fails to See