Diana and Erin are not able to figure out how they can fit two cupboards, a futon, a computer, and a refrigerator into their small dorm room. Just when it seems hopeless, Erin says, "Aha, I've got it!" and begins moving the items around. Erin's sudden revelation is most likely due to:
A) simplifying the process by imagining a prototype of a college dorm room and then making a decision based on the prototype.
B) clues that triggered nonconscious processing about the room arrangement followed by conscious awareness of the solution.
C) subconscious processing and automatic routines that she has learned so that she can perform them without thinking.
D) the ability to multitask in an efficient manner.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Erin's sudden revelation suggests that she unconsciously processed information about the room arrangement before consciously becoming aware of the solution. This is an example of the incubation stage of problem-solving, where the brain continues to process information even when the person is not actively thinking about the problem. Therefore, Option B is the best choice.

Diana and Erin Are Not Able to Figure Out How