Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) Practice Exam

Subgoals are an effective strategy because they help problem solvers maintain focus and motivation throughout the problem-solving process. By breaking down a larger, often complex problem into smaller, more manageable tasks, individuals can create a clear path to reach their final objective. Each subgoal achieved provides a sense of accomplishment, which reinforces motivation and encourages continued effort. This systematic approach reduces feelings of being overwhelmed, as it allows individuals to concentrate on one aspect of the problem at a time.

While other options may have their merits, they do not capture the central role that maintaining focus and motivation plays in the efficacy of subgoals. For example, establishing immediate conclusions doesn't inherently drive the problem-solving process forward, nor does it necessarily aid in maintaining focus. Simplifying the final outcome is a potential benefit of effective planning but isn't the core reason subgoals are valuable. Likewise, eliminating prior knowledge is not a realistic expectation, as background knowledge often enhances the problem-solving process instead of negating its importance.