Dr. Bernstein conducts a replication of the classic water jar study described in your text. Participants complete a series of 'practice' water jar problems that can be solved by the formula B-A-2C. They then complete two critical problems: one that may be solved either by B-A-2C or a much simpler formula, and then one that cannot be solved by B-A-2C. Half the participants attempt the critical problems immediately after the practice problems. The remaining participants attempt the critical problems the day after they complete the practice problems. Dr. Bernstein is most likely interested in __________.
A) the development of problem-solving expertise
B) the potential for incubation to develop a powerful mental set
C) participants' use of means-end analysis
D) the potential of incubation to release participants from a mental set

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dr. Bernstein is interested in the potential of incubation to release participants from a mental set. This is evidenced by the fact that half the participants attempt the critical problems after a delay (incubation) and may be able to break away from the mental set created by the B-A-2C formula. The replication of the classic water jar study allows for a comparison of problem-solving under different conditions (with or without incubation) and may shed light on the potential of incubation to facilitate problem-solving.

Dr Bernstein Conducts a Replication of the Classic Water Jar