Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that refers to our tendency to think of an object only in terms of its typical or intended function. This bias can limit our ability to come up with new and creative ways to use an object, and can make it difficult for us to solve problems that require thinking outside the box.
One classic example of functional fixedness is the Candle Problem. In this task, participants are given a box of tacks, a book of matches, and a candle. The goal is to attach the candle to the wall so that it can burn properly without dripping wax on the floor. Many people tend to get stuck thinking that the tacks are only for attaching things to the wall, and fail to consider that the tacks-box could be used as a holder for the candle.
Functional fixedness can also be seen in everyday life. For example, if you need to open a bottle but you don’t have a bottle opener, you might be stuck thinking that the only way to open the bottle is with a bottle opener. However, with a little bit of creative thinking, you might realize that you can use a spoon or a piece of paper to open the bottle instead.
One way to overcome functional fixedness is to actively try to think of alternative uses for objects. This can help to broaden your perspective and encourage you to think more creatively. Additionally, exposing yourself to a diverse range of experiences and ideas can also help to reduce functional fixedness by providing you with a broader range of examples to draw from when solving problems.
Another approach is to actively try to break down the functional fixedness by asking questions about the objects, for example: what does it look like? what does it consist of? what is the material it’s made of?
In conclusion, functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that can limit our ability to think creatively and come up with new solutions to problems. By being aware of this bias and actively trying to overcome it, we can improve our ability to think outside the box and find new and innovative ways to use objects
