Functional fixedness is a bias that can impact our creativity. Being aware of your bias and remaining open to new solutions can help you find new solutions.
Many people have biases, whether conscious or unconscious. While many people think of biases as cognitive distortions, another cognitive bias that many have concerns problem-solving.
Functional fixedness limits people’s ability to use or think about using objects as intended. Many objects could have multiple purposes or uses for different things. If you tend to resort to functional fixedness, there are many ways you can learn to overcome it.
Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias limiting a person’s ability to use an object in multiple ways. If you see an object and believe it has one purpose rather than numerous purposes, this is an example of functional fixedness. Your cognitive bias limits you from using that object for multiple reasons.
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Additionally, another 2018 study found that the bias of functional fixedness depends on several factors, including:
- motor skills
- intuitive physics
- existing functional knowledge
The researchers point out that functional knowledge can look like knowing that a hammer is a tool and can be used to put a nail into a wall. Functional knowledge can significantly impact one’s cognitive biases.
If you resort to functional fixedness, then your creativity may be hindered, which can negatively impact your mental health. For example, research indicates creativity can help you cope with mental health challenges and promote healing.
Creative outlets for coping can give you new strategies for coping with life’s problems and help you find meaning in life.
The cognitive bias of functional fixedness is not only limited to humans. A
The researchers found that chimpanzees exhibit functional fixedness, as the previous use of the hose impeded their ability to solve problems in the food pellet scenario. This study suggests that humans aren’t the only ones limited by this bias.
Any use for an object differently than the object’s primary use demonstrates functional fixedness.
Some examples of functional fixedness may include:
- Using a hair tie to tie up your hair instead of thinking about other objects, such as a rubber band or pencil, that can be used as well.
- Using a hammer only to hammer or remove nails instead of for additional purposes, such as breaking up a block of ice or bending metal.
- Using a box to store and transport objects instead of using it for purposes such as a window cover or constructing a toy fort.
- Using a stapler only to staple papers instead of considering it to be used as a paperweight or doorstop.
- Using vinegar as a cooking ingredient only, instead of being open to using it as a cleaning solution.
Overcoming functional fixedness involves creating new sets of ideas to solve problems. For example, one
Ways you can overcome functional fixedness include:
- Simplifying a problem: You can do this by focusing on the essential parts of a problem or chunking a problem down into smaller parts.
- Consult with others: If functional fixedness leaves you feeling stuck, consulting with others to gather knowledge or hear different perspectives can help you overcome the feeling.
- Take a break: Solving a problem can be a complex task. If you have the time to take a break and return to the problem, this can give you a fresh perspective.
- Find new inspiration: Finding inspiration from unexpected places or sources can help you find solutions.
The first step in overcoming functional fixedness is knowing your biases and finding a way to get unstuck.
Biases like functional fixedness can limit problem-solving abilities and detriment creative thinking. However, you can overcome functional fixedness when you learn to have an open mind and utilize innovative solutions to solve problems.
While functional fixedness can play out in various problem-solving situations, including design, science, and home repairs, overcoming it can improve your well-being. It can also enhance your mental health.