Functional Fixedness: Understanding Cognitive Constraints in Problem-Solving and Creativity

Introduction Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that limits a person’s ability to use an object only in the way it is traditionally used. This mental block can pose significant challenges in problem-solving and creativity, as it constrains individuals to conventional thinking patterns and inhibits innovative solutions. The purpose of this report is to explore the implications of functional fixedness on cognitive processes, examine its effects on problem-solving and creativity, and discuss potential strategies to mitigate its influence. By delving into the nature of functional fixedness, this report aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon and its impact on our cognitive capabilities.

Main Body Functional fixedness was first articulated by psychologist Karl Duncker in the 1940s through his “candle problem,” which demonstrated how individuals often fail to see alternative uses for familiar objects. In this classic experiment, participants were provided with a candle, a box of matches, and a box of thumbtacks. The task was to attach the candle to a wall in such a way that i