Eric Is Trying to Solve a Problem but Has to Interrupt

question 15

Multiple Choice

Eric is trying to solve a problem but has to interrupt his work on the problem in order to attend a meeting.After the meeting,he returns to the problem and immediately solves it.Which of the following is the LEAST likely explanation of Eric's revelation?

• A)Eric had approached the problem without a problem-solving set,and the time he spent in the meeting provided an incubation period during which he developed a set.
• B)The meeting distracted Eric from the problem,causing him to forget his previous strategies,and therefore allowed him to find a fresh approach to the problem.
• C)Eric had grown frustrated with the problem,and the frustration was making it hard for him to think productively.The meeting allowed his frustration to fade,so that he was more effective in his efforts after the meeting.
• D)The interruption had no effect on Eric's problem solving;he simply needed a bit more time to figure out the problem,and his return to the problem after the meeting provided that extra time.

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Definitions:

Optic Disc

The point in the eye where the optic nerve meets the retina, appearing as a small, circular area.

Pigmented Crescents

Darkened, crescent-shaped areas often found at the margin of the optic disc in the human eye.

Macula

A small central area of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision, particularly critical for tasks like reading and driving.

Papilledema

Swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure, which can be observed through an eye examination and may indicate serious medical conditions.