When a person who needs to use a tool in a novel way but cannot do it, it is attributed to:

Correct option is C

The phenomenon described in this scenario is known as functional fixedness. Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that limits a person’s ability to use an object in a new or unconventional way. It occurs when individuals are unable to see beyond the traditional or customary use of an object, preventing them from finding novel solutions to problems. In this case, the person is unable to use the tool in a new way because their thinking is restricted by its usual, familiar function.

Information Booster:
Karl Duncker, a Gestalt psychologist, introduced the concept of mental sets in the context of problem-solving. A mental set refers to a tendency to approach problems in a particular way, based on past experiences or familiar strategies, even when a different approach might be more effective. This can sometimes lead to functional fixedness, where individuals struggle to see alternative uses for objects or solutions to problems.