Miguel is attempting to reach a pitcher on the top shelf of his kitchen but cannot find a stool to stand on.Miguel appears puzzled for a few seconds and then uses a long set of tongs to grasp the pitcher and pull it down.What was the secret of Miguel's success?
A) He increased his mental effort.
B) He better formulated his problem.
C) He broke out of functional fixedness.
D) He allowed himself more thinking time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Miguel broke out of functional fixedness, which is the tendency to use objects only in their usual or customary way. Instead of searching for a stool or a ladder, he used the long set of tongs to reach the pitcher.

Miguel Is Attempting to Reach a Pitcher on the Top