Question 1

You tell your parents about the "funny stories" that your psychology teacher uses to explain various concepts and theories.Your parents respond that they are not sending you to college to hear "funny stories" and that the teacher should lecture on the subject like when they went to college.Which barrier to creative thinking would your parents' comment BEST fit?
A)emotional barrier
B)cultural barrier
C)learned barrier
D)perceptual barrier

Accepted Answer

Your parents' comment reflects a cultural barrier, as it shows a preference for traditional teaching methods over more creative or unconventional approaches, which may be influenced by their cultural or generational expectations of education.

Question 2

The professor asks a general question of the class, and although you think you might know the answer, you don't raise your hand to answer because you're afraid that if you're wrong, the other students might laugh at you.You are experiencing a(n) _____ barrier to problem-solving.
A)cultural
B)learned
C)perceptual
D)emotional

Accepted Answer

The fear of being laughed at by others indicates an emotional barrier to problem-solving.

Question 3

Common mental blocks that can hinder problem-solving include
A)cultural barriers.
B)emotional barriers.
C)perceptual barriers.
D)all of these.

Accepted Answer

All of these are common mental blocks that can hinder problem-solving. Cultural barriers can include differences in language or communication styles, as well as assumptions or biases based on culture. Emotional barriers can stem from fears or anxieties that prevent the person from fully exploring different solutions. Perceptual barriers can include a narrow-minded view of the problem or a reluctance to consider alternative perspectives. All of these can block critical thinking and prevent effective problem-solving.

Question 4

In an example from your textbook, subjects were exposed to the following problem: A $5 bill is placed on a table and a stack of objects is balanced precariously on top of the bill.The problem is to remove the $5 bill without touching or moving any of the objects on top of it.The best solution to this problem involves tearing the money.People who fail to solve this problem because they were taught that it is "taboo" to destroy "things of value" are probably experiencing a(n) _____ barrier to problem-solving.
A)pragmatic
B)learned
C)perceptual
D)emotional

Accepted Answer

The barrier to problem-solving described in the example is a learned barrier, as individuals have been taught that it is taboo to destroy things of value such as money. This prior knowledge can prevent individuals from considering the best solution to the problem.

Question 5

When tested with the candle problem presented in your textbook, five-year-old children showed no signs of functional fixedness because they _____ than the adults.
A)could visualize the problem better
B)could physically manipulate the objects with more dexterity
C)had less experience with the use of the various objects
D)had more experience with the use of the various objects

Accepted Answer

Five-year-old children have less experience with the conventional uses of objects, which allows them to think more creatively and avoid functional fixedness compared to adults.

Question 6

One barrier to the use of group learning in the American classrooms is the view by some parents and teachers that students should strive for independence and self-sufficiency in their learning and illustrates a(n) _____ barrier to the use of group learning.
A)emotional barrier.
B)learned barrier.
C)cultural barrier.
D)perceptual barrier.

Accepted Answer

The belief in independence and self-sufficiency can be seen as a cultural value in American education, which presents a barrier to the use of group learning. Cultural barriers refer to any beliefs, values, or attitudes that may be deeply ingrained in a society or community and which can impact the adoption and implementation of new practices.

Question 7

A mental block to creative thinking that involves fear of making a mistake or excessive self-criticism is called a(n)
A)perceptual set.
B)emotional barrier.
C)conceptual block.
D)functional fixedness.

Accepted Answer

An emotional barrier can prevent creative thinking by causing individuals to fear making a mistake or being overly critical of their own ideas. This can be a result of anxiety, self-doubt, or other negative emotions that inhibit innovative thinking. Perceptual set refers to the tendency to interpret information in a particular way based on preconceived ideas or past experiences, while conceptual blocks refer to limiting beliefs or assumptions that prevent individuals from considering new ideas. Functional fixedness occurs when individuals are unable to think flexibly about an object or problem because they are constrained by its familiar uses or functions.

Question 8

A beginning artist concentrates on drawing a vase of flowers without seeing that the "empty" spaces around the vase are part of the composition, too.This illustrates which barrier to problem-solving?
A)emotional
B)cultural
C)learned
D)perceptual

Accepted Answer

This barrier to problem-solving is perceptual, as the artist is not perceiving the negative space around the vase as part of the composition.

Question 9

One of the ways we could avoid fixations in problem-solving would be to
A)visualize the solution rather than physically moving items around.
B)physically interact with aspects of the problem rather than deal with them intellectually.
C)focus on the first solution that comes to mind.
D)take a more flexible approach in categorizing the world.

Accepted Answer

Taking a more flexible approach in categorizing the world can help avoid fixations in problem-solving as it allows for multiple perspectives and solutions to be considered, rather than being confined to a narrow focus or preconceived ideas. This can facilitate creative thinking and potentially lead to more effective problem-solving outcomes. A, B, and C may not necessarily prevent fixations and could potentially reinforce them.

Question 10

Functional fixedness, or conventions about uses or meanings, fall under the category of _____ barriers to problem solving.
A)cultural
B)learned
C)perceptual
D)emotional

Accepted Answer

Functional fixedness is a type of learned barrier to problem solving, as it involves the inability to see objects being used in ways other than their traditional use, which is learned over time.

Question 11

Because psychology students tend to define "negative" as "bad," students often incorrectly define "negative reinforcement" as a punishment.This illustrates the _____ barrier to problem-solving.
A)emotional
B)cultural
C)learned
D)perceptual

Accepted Answer

This illustrates the learned barrier to problem-solving, as students have learned to associate "negative" with "bad," leading to a misunderstanding of the concept of negative reinforcement.

Question 12

Habits that lead to a failure to identify important elements of a problem are referred to as _____ barriers to problem-solving.
A)emotional
B)cultural
C)learned
D)perceptual

Accepted Answer

Perceptual barriers refer to habits or biases in how an individual perceives and interprets information. These habits can lead to a failure to identify important elements of a problem, such as overlooking key details or being resistant to new or different ideas. Emotional, cultural, and learned barriers may also contribute to problem-solving difficulties, but they do not specifically refer to perceptual habits.

Question 13

Often when children are first introduced to mathematical word problems, they begin adding the two numbers listed within the problem rather than paying attention to the most important part of the problem, which asks "How many will you have LEFT?" This illustrates the _____ barrier to problem solving.
A)perceptual
B)cultural
C)learned
D)emotional

Accepted Answer

The perceptual barrier to problem solving refers to difficulties in correctly perceiving or understanding the information presented in a problem. In this case, the child is focusing on the numbers given rather than the question being asked, indicating a failure to perceive or understand the meaning of the problem.

Question 14

Learned barriers to problem-solving would include
A)excessive self-criticism.
B)taboos.
C)inability to tolerate ambiguity.
D)an active fantasy life.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Learned barriers to problem-solving would include
A)excessive self-criticism.
B)taboos.
C)inability...

Question 15

You are working on a group project with three other students, who appear to already be friends.You have some suggestions you would like to make, but decide to just follow the other members' ideas, because you do not believe your ideas would be accepted.This illustrates the _____ barrier to creative thinking.
A)emotional
B)cultural
C)learned
D)perceptual

Accepted Answer

The emotional barrier to creative thinking is related to fear, anxiety, self-doubt, and a lack of confidence, which can lead to individuals holding back their ideas or not speaking up in group settings. In this scenario, the individual is afraid their ideas won't be accepted by their peers, leading to them not speaking up and not contributing to the creative process.

Question 16

Beliefs, such as "fantasy and playfulness are only for children", can interfere with problem-solving and are called _____ barriers.
A)cultural
B)learned
C)perceptual
D)emotional

Accepted Answer

The answer of Beliefs, such as "fantasy and playfulness are...

Question 17

An example of a cultural barrier to creative problem-solving would be
A)fear of making a fool of oneself.
B)when values or norms prevent a new approach.
C)the inability to see new uses for familiar objects.
D)habits that prevent looking at another aspect of the problem.

Accepted Answer

Cultural values and norms can sometimes inhibit individuals from adopting a new approach or considering alternative solutions. For example, in some cultures, it may be frowned upon to challenge established authority or tradition, which could hinder creative problem-solving efforts.

Question 18

The fear of making a fool of yourself or of making a mistake is a(n) _____ barrier to problem-solving.
A)cultural
B)learned
C)perceptual
D)emotional

Accepted Answer

The fear of making a fool of oneself or of making a mistake is an emotional barrier to problem-solving as it involves feelings of anxiety, embarrassment, or inadequacy that can hinder one's ability to think creatively and effectively in finding solutions to problems. The other options - cultural, learned, and perceptual barriers - refer to other types of obstacles that can impede problem-solving, but they are not specifically related to the fear of making mistakes or looking foolish.

Question 19

A cook does not have any clean mixing bowls and fails to see that he could use a frying pan as a bowl.This illustrates which barrier to problem-solving?
A)emotional
B)cultural
C)learned
D)perceptual

Accepted Answer

The answer of A cook does not have any clean...

Question 20

A student concentrates so much on the information to be put on her powerpoint slide that she fails to note the need to use contrast for easy visibility of the text.This illustrates the _____ barrier to constructing an effective powerpoint presentation.
A)emotional
B)cultural
C)learned
D)perceptual

Accepted Answer

This is an example of perceptual barrier, where the student failed to perceive the need to use contrast for visibility. Perceptual barriers can occur when a person misinterprets or misunderstands information due to their own perception or the way they process information.

Quiz 9: Extension B: Cognition, Language, Creativity, and Intelligence

The professor asks a general question of the class, and although you think you might know the answer, you don't raise your hand to answer because you're afraid that if you're wrong, the other students might laugh at you.You are experiencing a(n) _____ barrier to problem-solving.

Common mental blocks that can hinder problem-solving include

When tested with the candle problem presented in your textbook, five-year-old children showed no signs of functional fixedness because they _____ than the adults.

One barrier to the use of group learning in the American classrooms is the view by some parents and teachers that students should strive for independence and self-sufficiency in their learning and illustrates a(n) _____ barrier to the use of group learning.

A mental block to creative thinking that involves fear of making a mistake or excessive self-criticism is called a(n)

A beginning artist concentrates on drawing a vase of flowers without seeing that the "empty" spaces around the vase are part of the composition, too.This illustrates which barrier to problem-solving?

One of the ways we could avoid fixations in problem-solving would be to

Functional fixedness, or conventions about uses or meanings, fall under the category of _____ barriers to problem solving.

Because psychology students tend to define "negative" as "bad," students often incorrectly define "negative reinforcement" as a punishment.This illustrates the _____ barrier to problem-solving.

Habits that lead to a failure to identify important elements of a problem are referred to as _____ barriers to problem-solving.

Learned barriers to problem-solving would include

Beliefs, such as "fantasy and playfulness are only for children", can interfere with problem-solving and are called _____ barriers.

An example of a cultural barrier to creative problem-solving would be

The fear of making a fool of yourself or of making a mistake is a(n) _____ barrier to problem-solving.

A cook does not have any clean mixing bowls and fails to see that he could use a frying pan as a bowl.This illustrates which barrier to problem-solving?

A student concentrates so much on the information to be put on her powerpoint slide that she fails to note the need to use contrast for easy visibility of the text.This illustrates the _____ barrier to constructing an effective powerpoint presentation.