Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) Practice Exam

The two-string problem serves as a classic example of functional fixedness, which is a cognitive bias that limits a person's ability to use an object only in the way it is traditionally used. In this problem, a person is presented with two strings hanging from the ceiling, and the goal is to tie them together. However, the strings are too far apart to grab at the same time.

Those experiencing functional fixedness may struggle to see alternative uses for the objects available to them, such as the weights of the pliers or other items present. When individuals fixate on the conventional use of the strings and fail to think creatively, they can miss the simple solution, which involves using one of the strings as a pendulum to bring the strings together. This illustrates how functional fixedness can obstruct problem-solving by preventing individuals from recognizing innovative strategies or uses for everyday items.

In contrast, while the other problems mentioned also involve aspects of problem-solving and creativity, they either do not exemplify functional fixedness as clearly or focus on other cognitive challenges. For instance, the water jug problem emphasizes numerical reasoning and quantitative relationships rather than fixed usages of objects, while the candle and matchstick problems involve different forms of insight or rearrangement tasks, not specifically highlighting the limitations