Dawn and Erin can't figure out how they can fit two lofts, a futon, a computer, and a refrigerator into their small dorm room! Just when it seems hopeless, Erin says, "Aha. I've got it!" and begins moving the items. Erin's sudden revelation is most likely due to:
A) clues that triggered nonconscious processing about the room arrangement followed by conscious awareness of the solution.
B) subconscious processing and automatic routines that she has learned so that she can perform them without thinking.
C) beginning the task in a state of mindlessness but then directing her conscious thinking to the task at hand.
D) simplifying the process by imagining a prototype of a college dorm room and then making a decision based on the prototype.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Erin's sudden revelation suggests that she had been engaging in nonconscious processing about the room arrangement and then suddenly became consciously aware of the solution. This is consistent with research on problem-solving and insight, which suggests that nonconscious processing can help people arrive at solutions that are then consciously recognized.

Dawn and Erin Can't Figure Out How They Can Fit