which of the following is an example of functional fixedness?

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21-10-2024

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The Brick Wall and the Hammer: Unlocking the Puzzle of Functional Fixedness

What is Functional Fixedness?

Imagine you need to hang a picture, but you don't have a hammer. You look around and see a brick. Would you think to use the brick as a hammer? Most likely not. We tend to see objects in terms of their usual function, making it difficult to imagine them being used in a different way. This is called functional fixedness, a cognitive bias that limits our problem-solving abilities.

Let's break it down:

• Cognitive Bias: A systematic error in thinking that influences our judgments and decisions.
• Functional Fixedness: The tendency to perceive objects only in terms of their usual functions, hindering our ability to find creative solutions.

Examples from the Real World

1. The Classic Duncker's Candle Problem:

This famous experiment by Karl Duncker demonstrates functional fixedness beautifully. Participants are given a candle, a box of matches, and a box of tacks, and asked to attach the candle to the wall so that it will burn without dripping wax on the table below. The solution lies in using the tack box as a platform to hold the candle, allowing it to burn safely. However, many people struggle with this solution because they focus on the box's primary function (holding tacks) and fail to see its potential as a platform.

2. The Hammer in the Kitchen:

Let's revisit the hammer example. You might think, "Why would I use a brick as a hammer? It's not designed for that!" This is functional fixedness at work. The brick's "usual" function is to build walls, so we don't readily consider its potential as a tool for hammering.

Overcoming Functional Fixedness:

• Challenge Assumptions: Don't automatically assume an object's function is its only purpose. Ask yourself, "What else could this be used for?"
• Think Outside the Box: Step back from the problem and consider solutions from a fresh perspective. Don't be afraid to try unconventional approaches.
• Brainstorm with Others: Collaboration can lead to unexpected solutions. Others may have different perspectives and see potential uses that you might miss.

Functional Fixedness in Everyday Life:

Functional fixedness affects our daily lives in numerous ways:

• Problem Solving: It can hinder us from finding creative solutions to problems, particularly when we face constraints or unexpected challenges.
• Innovation: It can limit our ability to come up with new ideas and inventions. If we only see objects in terms of their conventional uses, we are less likely to see their potential for new applications.
• Decision Making: It can lead us to make suboptimal decisions by limiting our options. We might choose the "usual" solution without exploring other possibilities.

Understanding functional fixedness helps us to be more flexible thinkers and problem solvers. By challenging assumptions and considering unconventional solutions, we can unlock a world of possibilities.

References

• Duncker, K. (1945). On problem solving. Psychological Monographs, 58(5), 1-113.
• "Functional Fixedness" by Michael Gazzaniga in Cognitive Neuroscience: The Biology of Mind (2004). https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/functional-fixedness

Further Reading:

• "Functional Fixedness: An Overview" by Richard Mayer in Human Learning: Cognitive and Instructional Perspectives (2007). https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/functional-fixedness