Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) Practice Exam

Overcoming functional fixedness in the candle problem can effectively be achieved by leaving the box empty. Functional fixedness occurs when individuals are unable to see beyond the traditional use of an object, which limits their problem-solving abilities. In the candle problem, the typical view of the box as merely a container can restrict the thinker from using it in a more innovative way, such as as a stand for the candle. By recognizing that the box can serve a different purpose, participants can step outside their conventional thinking and creatively use the box to hold the candle upright. An empty box can help a person focus on that alternative function, thus enabling a solution. This change in perspective allows for the realization that the box does not need to be used for its intended purpose, fostering a more flexible approach to problem-solving. Other options, while potentially helpful, do not directly address the constraints imposed by functional fixedness in the same impactful way. For instance, using a lighter instead of a match provides an alternate means of ignition but doesn't alter the perception of the box's utility. Introducing a new tool might also aid in the solution but could simply introduce another layer of complexity without addressing the core issue of fixedness. Changing the setting of the problem may create a different context but