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A person who uses a drop of superglue to seal a paper cut on their finger has overcome the obstacle to effective problem solving related to

a) Functional fixedness
b) Mental set
c) Confirmation bias
d) Algorithmic thinking

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The person using superglue for a paper cut avoided functional fixedness by creatively repurposing an item beyond its intended use, reflecting flexibility in problem solving and highlighting the importance of overcoming cognitive biases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The individual who used superglue to seal a paper cut has overcome functional fixedness, which is a cognitive bias where a person is unable to envision using an object for something other than its intended purpose. As noted in the question, functional fixedness can be a significant obstacle in problem solving, as it restricts creativity and flexibility in using resources at hand. The Apollo 13 mission is a famous example of overcoming functional fixedness when NASA engineers creatively devised a makeshift air filter to save astronauts' lives. This ability to think outside the box is crucial for innovative solutions to challenging problems.

Functional fixedness is a mental set, and it is distinct from other problem-solving biases such as confirmation bias, which is the tendency to seek out information that confirms one's existing beliefs, and anchoring bias, which involves fixating on a single piece of information or initial value when making decisions. Understanding these different cognitive pitfalls can aid in becoming a more efficient and creative problem solver, leading to more effective and sometimes unconventional solutions to the problems we encounter.

User Braden Steffaniak
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