Question

What is measured by the task in which participants are asked to think of as many different uses for a brick as they can? a. originality b. flexibility of thought c. functional fixedness d. both a and b

Short answer

d. both a and b

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The task requires participants to brainstorm various uses for a common object, such as a brick. This involves evaluating different mental abilities and cognitive processes.

Define Key Terms

- **Originality**: It refers to the ability to come up with unique or novel ideas. - **Flexibility of Thought**: This is the ability to switch between different ideas or different ways of thinking about a problem. - **Functional Fixedness**: It is a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used, and this task helps in breaking this fixedness.

Analyze the Task Requirements

Participants are asked to think of many different uses, which requires moving beyond traditional uses (challenging functional fixedness) and generating unique ideas (exhibiting originality). It also involves finding a variety of uses, demonstrating flexibility of thought.

Connect to Options

- Option (a) Originality: Participants' ability to come up with unique ideas. - Option (b) Flexibility of Thought: Participants' ability to think of different uses in varied contexts. - Option (c) Functional Fixedness is more about the constraint on thinking rather than what the task measures. Thus, using both (a) and (b) together as per the task through option (d).

Conclude the Answer

The task primarily measures both the participants' originality and flexibility of thought, corresponding to option (d). This is because they need to move away from traditional thinking and generate diverse and novel ideas.

Key concepts

Cognitive Flexibility

Cognitive flexibility is the mental skill that allows us to adjust our thinking and adapt to new and changing situations. It's an essential ability in problem-solving and creative tasks, as it enables us to view problems from multiple perspectives. When we engage in activities that require us to consider various possibilities, like finding different uses for a brick, we challenge our cognitive flexibility. Here’s why cognitive flexibility is crucial:

• It helps us transition smoothly from one task to another or from one idea to another without getting stuck.
• It supports the ability to entertain a variety of solutions and strategies, especially when the usual way isn't working.
• It fosters innovation as it helps individuals think outside the box by allowing them to break out of routine patterns and explore new ones.

We can improve cognitive flexibility through practice. Engaging in activities that require strategic thinking, like puzzles or brainstorming sessions, can help. This skill allows for better adjustment to unforeseen changes, an advantage in both personal and professional settings.

Creative Problem Solving

Creative problem-solving is about using innovative and novel methods to tackle a problem. It requires thinking differently, often shifting away from conventional solutions to arrive at ones that are unique. In the task of finding numerous uses for a brick, creative problem-solving is at play as participants imagine functions that defy traditional roles. The process generally involves several stages:

• Identifying the Problem: Clearly understand what issue needs resolving.
• Idea Generation: Brainstorming various and potentially unorthodox solutions.
• Evaluation and Choice: Reviewing the pros and cons of each idea to decide on the best course of action.
• Implementation: Putting the chosen solution into practice.

These steps help participants move beyond standard uses and foster original thought. This type of problem-solving is invaluable in fields that benefit from innovation, such as technology and design, where coming up with new ideas is a regular necessity.

Functional Fixedness

Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used. This can hinder problem solving and creativity because it prevents seeing possibilities beyond the norm. In the exercise of identifying various uses for a brick, the task is designed to break through this bias by encouraging alternative perspectives. Overcoming functional fixedness involves:

• Challenging preconceived notions: Asking questions that prompt non-traditional thinking.
• Encouraging metaphorical thinking: Seeing objects in terms of their potential metaphorical uses rather than their literal applications.
• Fostering an open mindset: Remaining open to all ideas regardless of how unconventional they might seem initially.

Combatting functional fixedness not only unlocks creativity but also enhances problem-solving skills. It's an important facet of educational strategies that aim to develop versatile thinkers who can adapt to a rapidly changing world.