A boy and his father are in a car crash. The father is killed, and the boy is rushed to the hospital. At the hospital, the doctor says, "I cannot operate on this boy. He's my son!" How is this possible? If a person thinks about this problem without using a particular method, and the answer just comes to them after a period of time, the person solved this problem with

• A. a representative heuristic.
• B. means-end analysis.
• C. insight.
• D. an algorithm.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the problem: A boy and his father are in a car crash. The father is killed, and the boy is taken to the hospital. The doctor claims the boy is their son, which seems contradictory at first glance.
2. Consider the possible relationships and roles that could explain the doctor's statement. The key is to think beyond traditional assumptions about gender roles.
3. Recognize that the problem is designed to challenge stereotypical thinking, particularly the assumption that doctors are male.
4. Realize that the solution involves a sudden realization or 'aha' moment, where the answer becomes clear without a step-by-step logical process.
5. Identify that this type of problem-solving is known as 'insight,' where the solution emerges suddenly into consciousness, often after a period of contemplation or incubation.