Duncker’s Candle Problem

The candle problem/test aims to measure the influence of functional fixedness on a person’s problem-solving capabilities. A participant is asked to fix and light a candle on a wall (a corkboard) in a way so the candle wax won’t drip onto the table below. They are given a box of matches and a box of thumbtacks to complete the task. The right solution includes attaching the box the thumbtacks came into the wall.

Find out more about Duncker's Candle Problem

Alternative name
Candle Problem

Active? Yes

First used: 01 January 1970

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