What does the two-string problem demonstrate?

The two-string problem illustrates the principle 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 the two-string problem, participants are faced with the task of tying together two strings that are hanging from the ceiling, but they cannot reach both strings at the same time. This scenario requires out-of-the-box thinking to solve the problem effectively.

Functional fixedness occurs when individuals are unable to perceive alternative uses for an object. For instance, participants often overlook using a tool, such as a chair or a weight, in a novel way to solve the problem. This can lead them to struggle or fail to find a solution that is readily apparent when they shift their perspective.

While the other options discuss aspects of problem-solving, they do not capture the essence of the specific challenge presented by the two-string problem. The problem is primarily a demonstration of how cognitive biases, like functional fixedness, can restrict creative problem-solving approaches and inhibit one's ability to see alternative solutions.