Overcoming Cognitive Barriers to Creative Thinking: MCQs
1. Which of the following events happened on April 14, 1912?
a) The Titanic hit an iceberg and sank
b) The Titanic was launched
c) The Titanic saved passengers from an iceberg
d) The Titanic collided with another ship
Answer: a) The Titanic hit an iceberg and sank
2. How long did it take for the Titanic to sink after hitting the iceberg?
a) 1 hour and 30 minutes
b) 2 hours and 40 minutes
c) 4 hours
d) 3 hours
Answer: b) 2 hours and 40 minutes
3. How many passengers and crew were on board the Titanic?
a) 1,500
b) 2,200
c) 3,000
d) 1,000
Answer: b) 2,200
4. How many people survived the Titanic tragedy?
a) 500
b) 705
c) 1,000
d) 1,200
Answer: b) 705
5. What is an example of a cognitive barrier in creative thinking?
a) Functional Fixedness
b) Creative Fluency
c) Design Flexibility
d) Goal Innovation
Answer: a) Functional Fixedness
6. What is Functional Fixedness?
a) The ability to think creatively about an object’s use
b) A bias where people see an object only for its traditional use
c) The tendency to avoid innovation
d) The flexibility of goal setting
Answer: b) A bias where people see an object only for its traditional use
7. What is the main cause of Functional Fixedness?
a) Overuse of an object
b) Automatic screening of unimportant features of an object
c) Lack of experience with different objects
d) Intense emotional attachment to objects
Answer: b) Automatic screening of unimportant features of an object
8. Which of the following is an example of Functional Fixedness?
a) A person using a spoon as a mirror
b) Using a hammer to break a glass
c) Thinking of an iceberg solely as a hazard
d) Using a pencil to draw on a piece of paper
Answer: c) Thinking of an iceberg solely as a hazard
9. What does Design Fixation refer to?
a) Limiting creativity by focusing on the product's intended use
b) A bias towards redesigning a product in a new and creative way
c) Fixating on the original design when asked to create a variation of a product
d) The process of improving a design using iterative thinking
Answer: c) Fixating on the original design when asked to create a variation of a product
10. In which scenario is Design Fixation likely to occur?
a) When asked to create a new recipe with common ingredients
b) When given a product and asked to create a new design or variation of it
c) When brainstorming multiple uses for an object
d) When defining the problem in a very broad manner
Answer: b) When given a product and asked to create a new design or variation of it
11. What is Goal Fixedness?
a) The ability to think outside the box when setting goals
b) A bias where the phrasing of a goal narrows the scope of creative thinking
c) The tendency to achieve goals by following traditional steps
d) The process of reframing goals into more specific terms
Answer: b) A bias where the phrasing of a goal narrows the scope of creative thinking
12. How can Goal Fixedness be overcome?
a) By narrowing the scope of the goal
b) By following strict instructions
c) By reframing the goal in broader or more general terms
d) By sticking to predefined methodologies
Answer: c) By reframing the goal in broader or more general terms
13. Which of the following is an example of overcoming Goal Fixedness?
a) Defining the goal as “create a better product design”
b) Adhering something to a garbage can
c) Focusing only on one possible solution to the problem
d) Sticking to the original phrasing of the goal
Answer: a) Defining the goal as “create a better product design”
14. What cognitive barrier might prevent someone from using an iceberg for something other than a hazard?
a) Goal Fixedness
b) Design Fixation
c) Functional Fixedness
d) Cognitive Dissonance
Answer: c) Functional Fixedness
15. Which of the following can be considered a way to overcome Functional Fixedness?
a) Focusing on the traditional use of an object
b) Ignoring unimportant features of an object
c) Considering new and innovative uses for an object
d) Adhering strictly to traditional approaches
Answer: c) Considering new and innovative uses for an object
16. Which scenario demonstrates Design Fixation in action?
a) Reinterpreting a product’s design to create a new variant
b) Creating a new design based on existing design features
c) Avoiding reliance on existing designs altogether
d) Developing new features for an existing product
Answer: b) Creating a new design based on existing design features
17. What was one of the unusual aspects of the Titanic tragedy discussed in the document?
a) The iceberg was considered a tool to save lives
b) The iceberg was considered as a source of resources
c) A similar event occurred 60 years before, where people survived by climbing aboard a floating sheet of ice
d) The Titanic was not a passenger ship
Answer: c) A similar event occurred 60 years before, where people survived by climbing aboard a floating sheet of ice
18. The iceberg mentioned in the Titanic tragedy was approximately:
a) 100 feet in length
b) 200 feet in length
c) 400 feet in length
d) 500 feet in length
Answer: c) 400 feet in length
19. What can be a potential outcome of reframing a goal in more general terms?
a) A more rigid approach to problem-solving
b) Creative and innovative solutions to the problem
c) An inability to define the goal
d) A focus on minimizing resources
Answer: b) Creative and innovative solutions to the problem
20. Which of the following is a strategy to overcome Design Fixation?
a) Rely on the original design without changes
b) Think about different functions and designs beyond the current product
c) Stick only to traditional design elements
d) Focus on one variation of the design
Answer: b) Think about different functions and designs beyond the current product
This is a start for generating the MCQs on the topic "Cognitive Barriers to Creative Thinking". Would you like me to expand the list further, or would you prefer to generate more questions based on specific sub-topics?
Sure! Here are more MCQs continuing from the previous ones on the topic of "Cognitive Barriers to Creative Thinking":
21. How can reframing a goal impact creativity?
a) It forces people to think in a linear, structured manner
b) It restricts the number of possible solutions
c) It broadens the scope of potential solutions and ideas
d) It eliminates any ambiguity in problem-solving
Answer: c) It broadens the scope of potential solutions and ideas
22. What is the impact of Goal Fixedness on problem-solving?
a) It leads to creative and innovative solutions
b) It narrows a person’s thinking and limits exploration
c) It increases the number of alternatives considered
d) It enhances flexibility in thinking
Answer: b) It narrows a person’s thinking and limits exploration
23. Which of the following would most likely help someone overcome Functional Fixedness?
a) Using an object for its intended purpose
b) Ignoring all features of the object
c) Exploring alternative ways to use the object
d) Focusing only on the object’s traditional use
Answer: c) Exploring alternative ways to use the object
24. What happens when people fall victim to Design Fixation?
a) They create radically different designs
b) They become too focused on the current design and overlook other possibilities
c) They abandon the design process altogether
d) They focus only on aesthetic improvements
Answer: b) They become too focused on the current design and overlook other possibilities
25. The concept of using a floating sheet of ice as a life-saving device is an example of:
a) Design Fixation
b) Functional Fixedness
c) Overcoming Cognitive Barriers
d) Goal Fixedness
Answer: c) Overcoming Cognitive Barriers
26. Which of the following could reduce the effects of Goal Fixedness?
a) Setting a highly specific and narrow goal
b) Rewriting the goal in broader, less specific terms
c) Sticking to the original phrasing of the goal
d) Limiting the scope of the goal to one solution
Answer: b) Rewriting the goal in broader, less specific terms
27. Functional Fixedness limits creative thinking by:
a) Encouraging new and diverse uses for objects
b) Only considering the traditional or original uses for objects
c) Allowing users to think beyond the obvious solutions
d) Promoting an open-minded approach to problem-solving
Answer: b) Only considering the traditional or original uses for objects
28. Which of the following is a potential consequence of Design Fixation?
a) Increased willingness to discard traditional designs
b) Greater creativity in redesigning a product
c) A narrow focus on modifying an existing design without considering alternatives
d) The generation of multiple design possibilities
Answer: c) A narrow focus on modifying an existing design without considering alternatives
29. What is the Titanic tragedy often cited as an example of?
a) A failure of decision-making
b) Overcoming cognitive barriers in a crisis
c) The importance of preemptive goal-setting
d) How to avoid the effects of Functional Fixedness
Answer: a) A failure of decision-making
30. The Titanic tragedy was most directly caused by:
a) A faulty design of the ship
b) The inability of passengers to use lifeboats
c) Failure to recognize and avoid the iceberg
d) Poor leadership and management of the ship’s crew
Answer: c) Failure to recognize and avoid the iceberg
31. When redesigning a product, which bias might lead someone to stick to the original features without considering alternatives?
a) Functional Fixedness
b) Design Fixation
c) Goal Fixedness
d) Cognitive Dissonance
Answer: b) Design Fixation
32. In the case of the Titanic tragedy, what role did Functional Fixedness play?
a) People did not consider alternative actions beyond avoiding the iceberg
b) The lifeboats were not used because passengers couldn’t think of alternative uses
c) Passengers focused on how to quickly abandon the ship rather than saving lives
d) Passengers relied on existing emergency procedures without considering alternatives
Answer: a) People did not consider alternative actions beyond avoiding the iceberg
33. How does Goal Fixedness manifest in day-to-day problem-solving?
a) It encourages people to redefine the problem continuously
b) It leads individuals to explore a wide range of solutions
c) It causes individuals to interpret the goal too narrowly
d) It increases creativity by promoting diverse approaches
Answer: c) It causes individuals to interpret the goal too narrowly
34. A common example of Functional Fixedness is:
a) Using a pencil as a stylus for a tablet
b) Using a screwdriver to drive nails into a wall
c) Using a paperclip to unlock a door
d) Using an empty box to store unused objects
Answer: b) Using a screwdriver to drive nails into a wall
35. The Titanic's iceberg was recognized as a hazard due to:
a) The ship's design limitations
b) The passengers' inability to think creatively in an emergency
c) The traditional view of an iceberg as a navigational challenge
d) The goal of saving passengers at all costs
Answer: c) The traditional view of an iceberg as a navigational challenge
36. Which of the following best describes an approach that would help overcome Design Fixation?
a) Analyzing only the current design features
b) Focusing on how the product was originally intended to be used
c) Thinking about alternative designs that could serve the same purpose
d) Sticking to the original design without changes
Answer: c) Thinking about alternative designs that could serve the same purpose
37. What strategy can be used to help individuals break through Goal Fixedness in a work setting?
a) Restating goals in very specific terms
b) Rewriting goals to make them broad and flexible
c) Focusing on achieving one objective at a time
d) Eliminating any external distractions
Answer: b) Rewriting goals to make them broad and flexible
38. Which barrier could prevent a person from recognizing the potential for innovation in a familiar object, like a candlewick or box of matches?
a) Goal Fixedness
b) Design Fixation
c) Functional Fixedness
d) Information Overload
Answer: c) Functional Fixedness
39. When people focus on the current design of a product and fail to think about other possibilities, they are experiencing:
a) Cognitive Dissonance
b) Design Fixation
c) Goal Fixedness
d) Functional Fixedness
Answer: b) Design Fixation
40. A person using a hammer to break a glass, even though they know it’s not the ideal tool, is exhibiting:
a) Goal Fixedness
b) Functional Fixedness
c) Design Fixation
d) Cognitive Bias
Answer: b) Functional Fixedness
41. What psychological barrier can limit a person from considering unconventional uses for an object?
a) Design Fixation
b) Functional Fixedness
c) Cognitive Bias
d) Mental Flexibility
Answer: b) Functional Fixedness
42. Which of the following is an example of Design Fixation in the workplace?
a) Replacing the software with a more intuitive version
b) Trying to modify an existing product design rather than exploring completely new options
c) Asking for feedback and considering multiple alternatives
d) Redesigning a product to meet customer needs rather than sticking to the original concept
Answer: b) Trying to modify an existing product design rather than exploring completely new options
43. How does rephrasing a goal in more general terms help overcome Goal Fixedness?
a) It narrows down the possible solutions
b) It encourages people to consider a broader range of solutions
c) It leads to a more rigid and fixed approach to the goal
d) It reduces the creative thinking process
Answer: b) It encourages people to consider a broader range of solutions
44. Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies overcoming Goal Fixedness?
a) A marketing team redefines their goal from "Increase website traffic by 10%" to "Grow brand awareness."
b) A manager insists on a strict sales target of $1 million by the end of the year.
c) A product designer focuses on achieving one specific design feature only.
d) A team leader enforces a detailed plan with rigid deadlines and no room for innovation.
Answer: a) A marketing team redefines their goal from "Increase website traffic by 10%" to "Grow brand awareness."
45. Which cognitive barrier is being exhibited when an individual uses a traditional object for only its conventional purpose and ignores any other possibilities?
a) Design Fixation
b) Goal Fixedness
c) Functional Fixedness
d) Cognitive Bias
Answer: c) Functional Fixedness
46. When solving a problem, reframing the goal is most effective in overcoming which cognitive barrier?
a) Design Fixation
b) Goal Fixedness
c) Functional Fixedness
d) Cognitive Bias
Answer: b) Goal Fixedness
47. What is one possible consequence of individuals suffering from Design Fixation?
a) Creating radically new and diverse designs
b) Overlooking opportunities for innovation or alternative designs
c) Quickly adapting to new market demands
d) Proactively seeking customer feedback on product design
Answer: b) Overlooking opportunities for innovation or alternative designs
48. The Titanic tragedy serves as an example of which cognitive barrier?
a) Goal Fixedness
b) Design Fixation
c) Functional Fixedness
d) Cognitive Bias
Answer: c) Functional Fixedness
49. Which of the following is an effective way to combat Functional Fixedness when thinking creatively?
a) Focusing solely on how the object was traditionally used
b) Limiting the number of possible uses for an object
c) Imagining the object being used in a variety of unconventional ways
d) Sticking to conventional ideas and solutions
Answer: c) Imagining the object being used in a variety of unconventional ways
50. A company continually reuses the same product design for every new release. This behavior is an example of:
a) Goal Fixedness
b) Design Fixation
c) Functional Fixedness
d) Cognitive Flexibility
Answer: b) Design Fixation
51. What type of thinking is most likely to overcome Functional Fixedness?
a) Convergent thinking
b) Lateral thinking
c) Systematic thinking
d) Analytical thinking
Answer: b) Lateral thinking
52. In the context of the Titanic tragedy, which psychological bias might have contributed to people not seeking alternative solutions to the crisis?
a) Design Fixation
b) Goal Fixedness
c) Functional Fixedness
d) Cognitive Bias
Answer: c) Functional Fixedness
53. Which of the following would help someone break free from Goal Fixedness?
a) Thinking only about specific solutions that fit the original phrasing of the goal
b) Limiting the scope of the goal to avoid ambiguity
c) Expanding the scope of the goal to allow for more flexibility and creativity
d) Focusing on one specific step at a time in goal-setting
Answer: c) Expanding the scope of the goal to allow for more flexibility and creativity
54. What is an example of Goal Fixedness in everyday life?
a) Focusing on solving a problem without thinking about alternative methods
b) Constantly seeking new perspectives on an issue
c) Rewriting a plan to incorporate feedback and alternative suggestions
d) Setting a goal with multiple possible outcomes and approaches
Answer: a) Focusing on solving a problem without thinking about alternative methods
55. Functional Fixedness would most likely occur if you:
a) Consider using a paperclip to open a lock
b) Use a pencil to write on a piece of paper
c) Only think of a hammer as a tool to drive nails
d) Think of a screwdriver as a versatile tool
Answer: c) Only think of a hammer as a tool to drive nails
56. In the Titanic scenario, why did many people fail to recognize the potential danger of the iceberg?
a) They were experiencing Design Fixation in their thinking
b) They had Goal Fixedness related to avoiding potential damage to the ship
c) They were limited by Functional Fixedness, only viewing the iceberg as a hazard
d) They were unable to reframe the goal of survival in broader terms
Answer: c) They were limited by Functional Fixedness, only viewing the iceberg as a hazard
57. Which of the following is an example of overcoming Design Fixation in product development?
a) Updating a product by adding a feature without changing its overall design
b) Using a customer’s feedback to generate new, radical ideas for a product’s design
c) Modifying the existing design based on a company’s traditional standards
d) Sticking to the original product blueprint despite changes in market demand
Answer: b) Using a customer’s feedback to generate new, radical ideas for a product’s design
58. Goal Fixedness can be reduced by:
a) Keeping the goal narrowly defined with specific parameters
b) Sticking rigidly to a plan that defines the solution
c) Reframing the goal to allow for flexibility and adaptability
d) Avoiding any changes to the goal during problem-solving
Answer: c) Reframing the goal to allow for flexibility and adaptability
59. What is the primary effect of Functional Fixedness on creative thinking?
a) It encourages out-of-the-box thinking
b) It leads people to view objects only in terms of their most common uses
c) It opens up multiple possible uses for everyday objects
d) It fosters a creative, flexible approach to problem-solving
Answer: b) It leads people to view objects only in terms of their most common uses
60. In the Titanic example, what could have helped avoid the tragedy in terms of creative thinking?
a) Redesigning the ship to be more resistant to icebergs
b) Viewing the iceberg not just as a hazard but as a challenge that could be overcome with innovative thinking
c) Adhering strictly to traditional navigation practices
d) Focusing only on the speed and efficiency of the ship
Answer: b) Viewing the iceberg not just as a hazard but as a challenge that could be overcome with innovative thinking
61. Which cognitive barrier is most likely responsible for people failing to see an iceberg as an opportunity for survival, rather than just a hazard?
a) Design Fixation
b) Functional Fixedness
c) Goal Fixedness
d) Cognitive Dissonance
Answer: b) Functional Fixedness
62. Which of the following actions could be considered an effective strategy for overcoming Goal Fixedness in team projects?
a) Avoiding any deviation from the original plan to meet the goal
b) Expanding the scope of the goal to allow for a variety of solutions and perspectives
c) Focusing on a single specific approach to the goal
d) Rigidly adhering to one outcome without reconsidering other possibilities
Answer: b) Expanding the scope of the goal to allow for a variety of solutions and perspectives
63. How can individuals overcome Design Fixation when asked to create a new version of an existing product?
a) Focus only on the existing features and tweak them
b) Analyze the market trends and replicate them in the new design
c) Brainstorm creative alternatives without sticking to the current design
d) Stick to the original design and improve upon it without introducing new concepts
Answer: c) Brainstorm creative alternatives without sticking to the current design
64. In what way is Functional Fixedness detrimental to creative problem-solving?
a) It encourages people to use objects for multiple purposes
b) It leads individuals to overlook new ways to solve a problem
c) It prompts people to think more broadly about objects and tools
d) It fosters flexibility in problem-solving and decision-making
Answer: b) It leads individuals to overlook new ways to solve a problem
65. Goal Fixedness in creative thinking can lead to:
a) Greater flexibility in achieving objectives
b) The exploration of diverse and innovative solutions
c) A narrowed focus on achieving only one specific outcome
d) The abandonment of rigid goal-setting
Answer: c) A narrowed focus on achieving only one specific outcome
66. What role does reframing a goal play in overcoming Goal Fixedness?
a) It makes the goal more rigid and less flexible
b) It encourages individuals to focus only on the initial problem
c) It allows individuals to approach the goal from different perspectives
d) It narrows down the scope of possible solutions
Answer: c) It allows individuals to approach the goal from different perspectives
67. When attempting to think creatively about a common object, such as a pencil, how can Functional Fixedness be avoided?
a) By considering the object only for its traditional use
b) By exploring unconventional uses, such as using the pencil as a tool for unlocking a door
c) By focusing solely on improving the current design of the object
d) By thinking about the object in terms of its appearance rather than its function
Answer: b) By exploring unconventional uses, such as using the pencil as a tool for unlocking a door
68. Which of the following is an example of overcoming Goal Fixedness?
a) A designer redefines the goal of "creating a product" to "improving user experience"
b) A team restricts their focus only to completing the task without considering alternate methods
c) A team leader insists that the goal of increasing sales must be achieved by selling the same product to the same customer base
d) A marketing team narrowly defines their goal as "gaining 100 new followers by the end of the week"
Answer: a) A designer redefines the goal of "creating a product" to "improving user experience"
69. Which of the following actions is most likely to help overcome Design Fixation?
a) Continuing to modify an existing product’s design without exploring new ideas
b) Introducing entirely new concepts or designs that break away from the current model
c) Focusing on the aesthetic qualities of the current product
d) Following only the original design without any changes
Answer: b) Introducing entirely new concepts or designs that break away from the current model
70. How does Goal Fixedness restrict creativity in problem-solving?
a) It fosters more flexibility in goal achievement
b) It encourages thinking beyond established goals
c) It forces individuals to explore a range of creative solutions
d) It prevents individuals from exploring alternative methods and solutions
Answer: d) It prevents individuals from exploring alternative methods and solutions
71. What cognitive bias is likely responsible for individuals thinking only about traditional uses of objects in everyday life?
a) Design Fixation
b) Functional Fixedness
c) Goal Fixedness
d) Cognitive Dissonance
Answer: b) Functional Fixedness
72. How might the Titanic tragedy have been prevented by reframing the goal of the voyage?
a) By focusing only on the fastest route to North America
b) By expanding the goal to include safety measures in case of unforeseen events like an iceberg collision
c) By eliminating the need for lifeboats altogether
d) By focusing solely on achieving luxury and comfort for passengers
Answer: b) By expanding the goal to include safety measures in case of unforeseen events like an iceberg collision
73. A business team has been asked to improve customer service but only focuses on the existing methods without considering new technologies. This is an example of:
a) Design Fixation
b) Functional Fixedness
c) Goal Fixedness
d) Cognitive Bias
Answer: a) Design Fixation
74. If a person is unable to see how a pair of shoes could be used for anything other than walking, they are exhibiting:
a) Goal Fixedness
b) Functional Fixedness
c) Cognitive Dissonance
d) Design Fixation
Answer: b) Functional Fixedness
75. Which of the following is the best way to combat Goal Fixedness in a collaborative setting?
a) Strictly adhering to the initial goal without changing the approach
b) Limiting the scope of the goal to one possible outcome
c) Encouraging brainstorming and considering alternative approaches to the goal
d) Avoiding any changes to the goal once it is set
Answer: c) Encouraging brainstorming and considering alternative approaches to the goal
76. Design Fixation can be overcome by:
a) Developing new designs that deviate from traditional or existing models
b) Continuing to use the same design until it's perfected
c) Sticking to the current design even if it’s ineffective
d) Focusing exclusively on improving the aesthetics of the product
Answer: a) Developing new designs that deviate from traditional or existing models
77. When an individual is able to envision an entirely new use for a typical object, such as using a chair as a stepstool, this is an example of overcoming:
a) Goal Fixedness
b) Design Fixation
c) Functional Fixedness
d) Cognitive Bias
Answer: c) Functional Fixedness
78. What cognitive barrier would most likely cause a person to keep using the same strategy for problem-solving even though it isn't working?
a) Goal Fixedness
b) Design Fixation
c) Functional Fixedness
d) Cognitive Bias
Answer: a) Goal Fixedness
79. A team redesigns a chair, improving its comfort but keeping the same form factor and material. This is an example of:
a) Overcoming Design Fixation
b) Design Fixation
c) Goal Fixedness
d) Functional Fixedness
Answer: b) Design Fixation
80. Which of the following scenarios demonstrates an individual overcoming Functional Fixedness?
a) Using a pencil for writing only
b) Using a paperclip to reset a phone
c) Sticking to the traditional use of a pen for signing documents
d) Focusing only on the aesthetic value of an object
Answer: b) Using a paperclip to reset a phone
81. A person focusing only on achieving the stated goal of increasing productivity without considering alternative methods to achieve this goal is experiencing:
a) Goal Fixedness
b) Design Fixation
c) Functional Fixedness
d) Cognitive Dissonance
Answer: a) Goal Fixedness
82. A manager encourages employees to think outside the box and consider unconventional approaches to solve a problem. This strategy most effectively addresses:
a) Goal Fixedness
b) Functional Fixedness
c) Design Fixation
d) Cognitive Bias
Answer: b) Functional Fixedness
83. When employees are given the goal of "improving customer satisfaction" but only consider increasing customer interaction without considering other possibilities, this is an example of:
a) Goal Fixedness
b) Design Fixation
c) Functional Fixedness
d) Cognitive Bias
Answer: a) Goal Fixedness
84. Which of the following best describes the behavior of someone experiencing Design Fixation?
a) Constantly looking for ways to improve and change the design of a product
b) Relying on traditional designs and not considering new alternatives
c) Thinking about creative ways to use an object outside of its conventional use
d) Broadening the scope of the project to include innovative design changes
Answer: b) Relying on traditional designs and not considering new alternatives
85. When designing a product, what would help a team overcome both Goal and Design Fixedness?
a) Relying on the original design and limiting the scope of the goal
b) Encouraging diverse perspectives and allowing flexibility in design
c) Focusing only on achieving the specific goal with little deviation
d) Rigidly following established procedures without considering new ideas
Answer: b) Encouraging diverse perspectives and allowing flexibility in design
