Ms. McDevitt's class has learned how to calculate the area of a rectangle. Ms. McDevitt then asks Teresa how to calculate the area of a square. Which one of the following alternatives best describes the Gestalt perspective of how Teresa would solve this problem?
A) She would engage in trial and error behavior, attempting one solution after another, until she eventually solved the problem.
B) She would solve the problem on her own only after watching the teacher solve the problem.
C) She would think about the problem for a while and, once she realized that a square was a kind of rectangle, be able to solve the problem.
D) Through a process of shaping, with her teacher reinforcing her for appropriate responses, she would eventually solve the problem.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Gestalt perspective, Teresa would use her insight and make the connection that a square is a type of rectangle and would be able to solve the problem. This is consistent with the Gestalt principle of insight or restructuring.

Ms McDevitt's Class Has Learned How to Calculate the Area