Functional fixedness is a common mental block. It is a type of cognitive bias or mental block that limits us to seeing objects as only working in a particular or traditional way. It prevents you from using an object in a new way or function to solve a problem. Reber, Allen, and Reber, (2009) define functional fixedness as, “A conceptual set whereby objects that have been used for one function tend to be viewed as serving only that function even though the situation may call for their use in a different context. For example, a hammer just used for pounding nails may not be perceived as appropriate for use as a pendulum weight. Also called “functional fixity”. Describe a situation when you experienced functional fixedness. Explain how this mental block impacted you and what you tried to overcome it. What was the outcome? Explain and analyze.
In response to your peers, explore what seemed to work or not work, and why. What other ways of addressing the situation could have been used?
