Functional Fixedness

Functional fixedness is a cognitive handicap which makes us use every object in a traditional way we have seen. This prevents a novel idea cropping upon our mind. This is the most potent hurdle on the way of any problem solving activity. The day this blockage is eliminated, countless inventions could be made.

A set is Preparatory adjustment to perform a task. The practice of solving a problem in a given way tends to give people a set. They use the same rules for other problems as well.

A set may include

-immediately preceding experiences

-long established practice

-instruction that revive old habits

Set can have both facilitatory & inhibitory effects; The hindering effects of the set can be reduced by

-reducing the number of practice trials

-separating practice & critical trials by days & weeks.

-warning the subject before the critical problem

Also Read: Consistency is the key to a Successful Business

A particular kind of set that can point thoughts in wrong direction has been called functional fixedness. It is a conceptual set whereby objects that have been used for one function tend to be viewed only serving that function, even though situation may call for the use of the use of the object in different context.

 Maier’s Two String Experiment: Facilitatory effect of set

Maier’s ‘Two string Problem’ consists of two strings hanging from the roof in such a way that holding one string & the subject cannot reach the other. The subject is required to figure out a way to lie two strings together, even though when he is holding onto one string, the other is out of reach. A variety of objects are available for use in the solution of the problem, such as air, tissue paper, a pair of pliers & some paper clips.

The solution involves trying the pliers to the string & setting it in motion like a Pendulum so that it can be reached while the subject is holding onto other string. Maier presented this problem to two group of subjects. One group of subjects (experimental. group) were shown a string moving like a pendulum before the problem was given. The other group (i.e control group) were not given any such experience. The performance of the experimental group was better than the control group.