functional fixedness

psychology

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July 18, 2026

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Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias in psychology where individuals struggle to recognize that an object known for one purpose can also be used for another. This obstacle to effective thinking prevents people from using familiar tools in novel ways when faced with a new problem. For example, someone experiencing functional fixedness might not realize a coat hanger can be reshaped to pick a lock. This is distinct from general "fixedness," which refers to a state of continuing without change. Overcoming functional fixedness is crucial for creative problem-solving.12

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Obstacles to effective thinking
Functional fixedness is the inability to realize that something known to have a particular use may also be used to perform other functions. When one is faced with a new problem, functional fixedness blocks one’s ability to use old tools in novel ways. Overcoming functional…
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Functional fixedness is the inability to realize that something known to have a particular use may also be used to perform other functions. When one is faced with a new problem, functional fixedness blocks one’s ability to use old tools in novel ways. Overcoming functional…
Read More