Final answer:
The radiation problem in the text illustrates the role of functional fixedness in problem solving, which is a cognitive bias that can hinder innovative solutions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to the role that a certain concept plays in problem solving. The radiation problem is used in the text to illustrate the role of functional fixedness. Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that limits a person to use an object only in the way it is traditionally used. Overcoming this bias requires creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
In the context of Duncker's candle problem and the Apollo 13 mission, individuals had to think beyond the traditional uses of objects to solve pressing problems. Functional fixedness had to be overcome for the astronauts to improvise a solution to the CO2 filtering problem, showing how critical it is to be able to think outside of conventional uses.