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:

Engineered

The process of designing, constructing, and testing structures, materials, and systems based on scientific principles.

Operating Leverage

An indicator of the extent to which increases in revenue lead to increases in operating profit, showing the level of fixed expenses within the financial framework of a business.

Fixed Costs

Expenses that do not change with the level of production or sales over a short period, such as rent, salaries, and insurance.

Forecasting Risk

The potential for future revenues or earnings to deviate from projected amounts due to variables that affect demand, supply, and pricing.