AP Psychology Practice Test

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Prepare for the AP Psychology Exam with a comprehensive practice test featuring detailed questions and explanations. Enhance your learning experience as you dive deep into psychological concepts, theories, and important figures in psychology. Get ready for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What does fixation refer to?

A strategy-based solution to problems
The tendency to approach a problem in the same way as in the past
The inability to see a problem from a new perspective
Estimating the likelihood of events based on their availability in memory

The correct answer is: The inability to see a problem from a new perspective

Fixation refers to the inability to see a problem from a new perspective, which can hinder problem-solving and creativity. This concept often emerges in cognitive psychology, particularly in discussions about mental blocks that prevent individuals from generating new solutions or ideas. In scenarios where a person is fixated on a specific approach, they may overlook alternative strategies or insights that could lead to a better resolution. While other concepts such as the reliance on past strategies can be related, fixation specifically highlights the rigidity of thought processes that limit one's ability to consider different angles or approaches to a problem. This mental state can impede effective problem-solving by trapping an individual in a cycle of using familiar but potentially ineffective methods.