People often assume that it is necessary to use all the numerical information provided in a problem in order to solve the problem. In reality, numerical information sometimes makes it more difficult to solve a problem because the information
A)results in a mental set.
B)puts unnecessary constraints on the problem solver.
C)may be irrelevant.
D)encourages functional fixedness.

Question

People often assume that it is necessary to use all the numerical information provided in a problem in order to solve the problem. In reality, numerical information sometimes makes it more difficult to solve a problem because the information ​
A)results in a mental set.
B)puts unnecessary constraints on the problem solver.
C)may be irrelevant.
D)encourages functional fixedness.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is C because numerical information that is not relevant to solving the problem can distract or mislead the problem solver, making it harder to find the solution. This irrelevant information does not necessarily create a mental set, put constraints, or encourage functional fixedness, but rather serves as unnecessary or misleading details.

People Often Assume That It Is Necessary to Use All