Final answer:
Claudia has overcome functional fixedness by using popcorn as packing material, showcasing her ability to see beyond the ordinary use of objects for creative problem-solving.
Step-by-step explanation:
Claudia's creative use of popcorn as packing material to send a fragile vase to her parents showcases her ability to think outside the traditional use of objects. This demonstrates that Claudia has effectively overcome functional fixedness in solving her problem. Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias in which an individual tends to perceive the objects in terms of their most common use and fails to see their potential in serving alternate functions.
An example of overcoming functional fixedness is during the Apollo 13 mission, where NASA engineers had to use non-standard materials to create a makeshift air filter to save the astronauts' lives. Similarly, Claudia repurposes popcorn, a food item, as a cushioning material for a vase, thus displaying creativity and flexibility in thinking.