Functional Fixedness
Definition
Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that limits a person's ability to use an object only in the way it is traditionally used.
Analogy
Think of functional fixedness like seeing your teacher outside of school at the grocery store and finding it weird. You've become so accustomed to associating them with school that seeing them in another context feels strange!
Related terms
Mental Set: A tendency for people to approach problems in certain ways because they have worked in the past.
Confirmation Bias: The tendency for people to favor information that confirms their existing beliefs or values.
Divergent Thinking: A thought process used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions.
"Functional Fixedness" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (7)
What is the definition of functional fixedness?
When would functional fixedness likely hinder problem solving?
Which of the following best illustrates the concept of functional fixedness in problem-solving?
What evolution did the study of functional fixedness undergo within the field of psychology?
Why might functional fixedness pose an ethical issue in psychological practices?
What is the relevance of functional fixedness in problem solving?
How does functional fixedness impede creative thinking while dealing with novel situations?
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