Seekh Logo

AI-powered learning platform providing comprehensive practice questions, detailed explanations, and interactive study tools across multiple subjects.

Explore Subjects

Sciences
  • Astronomy
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
Humanities
  • Psychology
  • History
  • Philosophy

Learning Tools

  • Study Library
  • Practice Quizzes
  • Flashcards
  • Study Summaries
  • Q&A Bank
  • PDF to Quiz Converter
  • Video Summarizer
  • Smart Flashcards

Support

  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Pricing

© 2025 Seekh Education. All rights reserved.

Seekh Logo
HomeHomework HelppsychologyFunctional Fixedness

Functional Fixedness

Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that hinders problem-solving by limiting a person’s perception of an object to its traditional use, preventing them from seeing alternative uses. This can restrict creative thinking and inhibit the ability to solve problems in innovative ways.

intermediate
2 hours
Psychology
0 views this week
Study FlashcardsQuick Summary
0

Overview

Functional fixedness is a significant cognitive bias that can limit our ability to think creatively and solve problems effectively. It occurs when we become fixated on the traditional uses of objects, preventing us from seeing alternative solutions. This bias can manifest in various aspects of life,...

Quick Links

Study FlashcardsQuick SummaryPractice Questions

Key Terms

Cognitive Bias
A systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

Example: Confirmation bias is a type of cognitive bias where people favor information that confirms their existing beliefs.

Problem-Solving
The process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues.

Example: Using brainstorming techniques to generate ideas for a project.

Creativity
The ability to produce original and valuable ideas.

Example: An artist creating a unique painting that expresses their emotions.

Mental Block
An inability to think clearly or creatively due to psychological factors.

Example: A writer experiencing writer's block and unable to produce new content.

Design Thinking
A problem-solving approach that uses the designer's sensibility and methods to match people's needs.

Example: Using empathy to understand user needs in product design.

Innovation
The process of translating an idea or invention into a good or service that creates value.

Example: The development of smartphones revolutionizing communication.

Related Topics

Cognitive Dissonance
The mental discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs or values.
intermediate
Creative Problem Solving
Techniques and methods used to find innovative solutions to challenges.
intermediate
Heuristics
Mental shortcuts that ease the cognitive load of making decisions.
intermediate

Key Concepts

cognitive biasproblem-solvingcreativitymental blocks