What is a characteristic of arrangement problems in cognitive psychology?

Arrangement problems are a specific type of problem in cognitive psychology that typically require the solver to rearrange elements to achieve a desired outcome or solution. This characteristic is central to understanding how arrangement problems function. For example, a classic arrangement problem might involve taking a set of letters and rearranging them to form a word or phrase. The key to solving these problems lies in successfully manipulating the order or position of the given items.

While trial and error can sometimes play a role in problem-solving, and emotional factors can influence one's approach to certain problems, these aspects are not defining traits of arrangement problems. Likewise, sequential transformations—where steps must be followed in a specific order—are more applicable to other types of problem-solving scenarios that require following a procedural series. Thus, the emphasis on rearranging elements as the primary mechanism for solving arrangement problems makes it the correct answer.