Erik dropped a note under his car seat and could not find it. He looked all through the glove compartment for a flashlight so that he could get a better look under his seat. He later realized he could have just held his cell phone under the seat to help illuminate the area. This is an example of

• A. a mental set.
• B. a heuristic.
• C. functional fixedness.
• D. confirmation bias.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of 'functional fixedness': It is a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used.
2. Identify the problem Erik faced: He needed to illuminate the area under his car seat to find the note.
3. Consider Erik's initial approach: He searched for a flashlight, which is a traditional tool for providing light.
4. Recognize the alternative solution Erik overlooked: Using his cell phone as a light source, which demonstrates thinking beyond the traditional use of objects.
5. Conclude why this is an example of functional fixedness: Erik initially failed to see his cell phone as a potential light source due to his fixed mindset on the traditional use of a flashlight.