Functional fixedness is a universal cognitive bias experienced by individuals in both industrialized and nonindustrialized cultures. Although people in industrialized nations have greater exposure to highly specialized tools, this technological familiarity does not prevent them from experiencing cognitive constraints when trying to use common objects in novel or unconventional ways.

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Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias and a specific type of mental set that restricts a person to using an object only in its traditional manner. This fixation on an object's conventional function can impede problem-solving by obscuring novel uses. Research has shown that functional fixedness is a cross-cultural phenomenon, experienced by individuals in both industrialized and non-industrialized societies.

Functional Fixedness

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

A notable real-world instance of overcoming functional fixedness took place during the Apollo 13 mission. Following an explosion that compromised the spacecraft's systems, the astronauts were threatened by rising carbon dioxide levels from malfunctioning filters. To solve this, engineers at Mission Control developed a method for the astronauts to construct a temporary air filter using available, non-traditional materials like plastic bags, tape, and air hoses. This innovative solution, which ultimately saved the astronauts' lives, is a famous example of creative problem-solving under extreme pressure.

Apollo 13 Mission as an Example of Overcoming Functional Fixedness

Duncker's candle problem is a classic experiment used to demonstrate functional fixedness. In this task, participants receive a candle, a book of matches, and a box of thumbtacks, and are asked to attach the candle to a wall without allowing wax to drip onto the floor. To solve the problem, one must overcome the tendency to view the box solely as a container for thumbtacks, and instead empty it, tack it to the wall to serve as a shelf, and stand the candle inside.

Duncker's Candle Problem Experiment (1945)

An experiment with the Shuar group in Ecuador explored cultural effects on functional fixedness. Participants were presented with a problem involving a bear and a rabbit separated by a river and were asked to find a solution using various objects. The intended solution was to use a spoon as a bridge. The study found that when the spoon was presented in a context that highlighted its normal use, participants took significantly longer to identify its potential as a problem-solving tool. This experiment provides evidence that functional fixedness is a widespread cognitive bias.

Shuar Group Experiment on Functional Fixedness

Based on the following scenario, identify the specific cognitive barrier that is preventing the individual from solving their problem and explain *how* this barrier is demonstrated.

The Loose Screw Problem

There are two strings hanging from the ceiling that are sufficiently far apart so that a subject can't hold onto both at the same time. Chairs and pliers are available to the subject.

The two string problem

The candle problem presents participants with a set of items, typically a candle, a book of matches, and a box of thumbtacks. The objective is to affix the candle to a wall in such a way that it will not drip wax onto the floor or table below.

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