Illustrative of functional fixedness, people are more likely to solve the candle problem if
A) fewer tacks are provided.
B) pliers are also presented.
C) the box is empty.
D) the candle is already lit.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used. The candle problem is a classic test of this concept, where participants are more likely to solve the problem (attaching a candle to a wall so it doesn't drip wax on the table below) if the tacks are outside the box, making the box itself available as a container for the candle. Thus, an empty box (implying the tacks are not inside it) helps overcome functional fixedness by making it easier for participants to think of the box as something other than just a container for tacks.

Illustrative of Functional Fixedness, People Are More Likely to Solve