Term ID: T1610

Functional Fixedness

/functional-fixedness/
A cognitive bias that limits problem-solving by causing people to see objects only in terms of their typical functions, preventing recognition of alternative uses that could solve problems.
Example: Being unable to use a hammer as a paperweight because you only think of it as a tool for driving nails, or failing to use a coin as a screwdriver in an emergency.

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Reference: Duncker (1945)